MERCER COUNTY New communications system due

The new communications system will substantially reduce one district justice's phone bill.
By MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
MERCER, Pa. -- Installation of a microwave communication system on county communication towers before winter should improve emergency communications and eventually save the county money.
Mercer County commissioners accepted the low bid Thursday of Cattron Communications Inc., Sharpsville, for $337,891 for purchase and installation of the system.
The only other bidder, Connectivity Communications of Cranberry, bid $480,911. The totals include equipment and a maintenance agreement.
State grant
Ninety percent of the cost will be paid by a state grant awarded to the county because the state health department judged Mercer as having the worst emergency services communications in Pennsylvania, said Jim Thompson, county emergency services director.
The equipment is expected to be delivered in a month and installed as soon after delivery as weather permits on five communications towers, Thompson said.
Mercer County has five major phone providers and two area codes, making communications among emergency personnel difficult.
Benefits
Thompson said the microwave communications will replace much that is done now by phone. The new system will reduce phone costs, make video arraignments possible, and "open doors for so many things," Thompson added.
Commissioner Gene Brenneman commented that the phone bill at District Justice Lawrence Silvis' office, which has an 814 area code, is more than $1,000 per month and will drop to about $300 with the microwave system.
Other business
Commissioners also agreed to advertise for sale the Mercer Avenue, Hermitage, offices now occupied by District Justice Henry Russo. The district justice's offices will move to Farrell, where Brenneman indicated commissioners are close to an agreement on a property there.
Commissioners also agreed to place a vacant maintenance position on layoff status for the near future. The employee who had the position was promoted to another post. Personnel Director Bill Boyle said the position will remain vacant for now for economic reasons.
They also approved a lease agreement between the county and the Munnell Run Farm Foundation Inc.
Munnell Run is part of the former county farm property in Coolspring Township. About a year ago, it was declared a nonprofit entity governed by a board of directors. The designation makes the farm eligible for grants from foundations. The 1.63-acre property is being used for ecology and agriculture education.
They also adopted a resolution supporting French Creek Watershed Conservation Plan and listing the French Creek Watershed and its tributaries on the Pennsylvania Rivers Registry.
Jim Mondok of the conservation district said this action makes the watershed eligible for more grants. He said French Creek, located in the county's northeast section, is one of the most biologically diverse river systems east of the Mississippi River.