SUNBURY - Budget director Jeff McClintock updated the Northumberland County Board of Commissioners on the financial condition of the county during the board's meeting Tuesday.
"I believe we will meet our budget for 2012," he said. "We had to tighten things up and we had to look at other avenues to generate revenues to cover some unexpected higher costs."
Commissioner Rick Shoch pointed out health insurance is a major factor in the increased costs and said the commissioners need to explore all options to reduce costs.
Commissioner Vinny Clausi predicted that if costs continue to increase, the county could be facing a $6 million deficit in four years.
Commissioner Stephen Bridy, who described the county financial situation as a "slippery slope," said the county needs to consider offering more "preventive" health care to employees to stop major health care claims from developing in the future.
At the end of the meeting, Kathy Wagner, an official with Central Susquehanna Health Providers, who previously met with some county officials, offered assistance to the county in reducing its health care costs. "I'm here to offer you the lowest possible, transparent quote to save taxpayers money," she said.
The commissioners agreed to further discuss Wagner's proposal in the future.
Appointments
James Eister, of Sunbury, was appointed to the Northumberland County Planning Commission to fill the unexpired term (Dec. 31, 2015) of Phillip Zalar, who resigned Oct. 23.
The board appointed Gary Truckenmiller, of Watsontown, as a farmer director on the Northumberland County Conservation District for a four-year term, beginning Jan. 1.
William Geise and Mary Crone were re-appointed as farmer directors for three-year terms on the Agricultural Land Preservation Board, effective Jan. 1. Geise also was named chairman of the board for a one-year term, beginning Jan. 1.
The commissioners authorized the tax claims bureau to conduct a private sale of real estate for 29-31 Oak St., Mount Carmel, and granted permission to the Department of Public Safety and Local Emergency Planning Committee to purchase a 2013 Ford F-350 pickup truck from Sunbury Motors for $35,997.
Chief clerk Gary Steffen announced the Northumberland County Retirement Board will hold a special meeting at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4, in the administration center to discuss the cost-of-living increases for pensioners, rate of regular interest for member contributions, investment policy and any other general business.
In connection with the recent settlement of a wrongful termination lawsuit filed by former deputy warden John Conrad against the county that was handled through the county's insurance company, Bridy recommended that the county consider representing itself in lawsuits. He said the majority of the time settlements cost less than paying a $100,000 deductible.
Shoch agreed with Bridy's recommendation.
The board agreed to pay Flag Zone $11,520 for 23,000 American flags.
Bridy and Shoch commended all the volunteers from the area who have supported victims of Hurricane Sandy in New York and New Jersey.
Jeff Robol, of Milton, a member of Milton Regional Sewer Authority and a former borough councilman and Milton School Board director, urged the commissioners to renegotiate health care contracts with the unions in an attempt to fight escalating costs.
"There are ways to stop the increases," he said.
Clausi, who noted the commissioners must be fair with non-union employees when union workers receive wage or benefit increases, said the county's hands are often tied when it comes to negotiating with the unions.
Bridy added, "We are fighting a system than was built to protect collective bargaining units."
Shoch objected to approving the minutes of an Oct. 2 meeting that he claimed omitted a discussion between a citizen and Clausi involving debate over the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area.
At the beginning of the meeting, Tim Lesher, a third-generation dairy farmer from Pitman who serves as president of the Northumberland County Farm Bureau, presented the commissioners a wooden crate of apples in commemoration of National Farm City Week.