Friday, September 13, 2002
The bonds will help the company retain 163 full-time jobs.
MERCER, Pa. -- County commissioners issued $2.32 million in tax-exempt bonds to help maintain a growing small business in Jackson Commerce Park in Jackson Township.
Atty. Ronald McCall of the Mercer County Industrial Development Authority said the issuance makes possible refinancing of a 1996 project and elimination of a $45,000 charge on a letter of credit for International Timber and Veneer, L.C.
The 1996 project financed acquisition, construction and equipping of the 102,000-square-foot manufacturing facility used to produce wood veneer products.
He said the approval, which came at Thursday's meeting, also will help maintain the 163 full-time jobs at the business.
Commissioner Olivia Lazor called International Timber "a small business success story," which has grown from 40 workers.
Commissioners also agreed to apply for a grant that will help pay for updating all municipalities' emergency plans, part of the aftermath of the Sept.11 terrorist attacks.
The $62,780 grant request will go to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Jim Thompson, the county's director of public safety, said grants have been made available as part of President Bush's homeland security budget.
Radio equipment
They also approved advertising for bids for the purchase and installation of microwave radio frequency communications equipment.
The equipment will take the place of phone lines, which have been a continuing problem because the county has several area codes and rate structures. Thompson said most radio contact in the county requires phone lines and the change to microwave has the potential for substantial cost savings.
Commissioners approved a $20-per-hour professional services agreement with Roger Cline of Hadley to serve as clerk of works and site supervisor for the courthouse renovation project.
Cline will serve as an intermediary between commissioners, the renovation project architect and the contractor.
In the salary board part of the meeting, the position of lead court reporter was created and a $618 annual stipend set for the post, which is retroactive to July 1. The position will provide oversight, scheduling and follow-up for court reporters.