MERCER COUNTY Veterans back actions taken on job

Credit cards can now be used to pay fines and costs in district justices' offices.
By MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
MERCER, Pa. -- Veterans told Mercer County commissioners they support a proposal to make the veterans office's clerical position an administrative job.
The proposal came from Gary Solander, office director.
Veterans agree that the current clerk should become an assistant director of the veterans office. That action would move the position out of the collective bargaining unit and allow greater flexibility in hours as well as expand the types of paperwork the employee could handle.
The clerical post is held by Wanda Smithley.
Charlie Brown, a member of the Mercer County Veterans' Council, attended Thursday's commissioners' meeting along with several other veterans to support the proposed change.
They praised the way the office is being run and said that since taking over the office, Solander has signed up several thousand more veterans on the county rolls.
The office must be prepared for another influx of veterans who fought in Iraq, Brown said after the meeting. Commissioners said they are looking at Solander's proposal but have not made a decision.
Paying fines
Commissioners also approved a measure that will allow fines and costs in the county's district justice offices to be paid with credit cards. They approved an agreement with Citizens Bank of Rhode Island for credit-card processing.
Credit card payments have been allowed in common pleas court for some time, but the approvals required by the state for the district justice offices have taken years to obtain. An additional $1 charge will be added to processing of all traffic and private complaints to cover the costs. Treasurer Ginny Richardson said she hopes credit cards can be accepted by Jan. 1.
Commissioners approved applying to the Pennsylvania Conservation Corps. for a $15,000 grant for Munnell Run Farm Foundation to be used for various projects. The foundation will have to provide a $5,000 share.
They also entered a $2,155 monthly service agreement with Verizon Pennsylvania Inc. to provide 911 system equipment maintenance for 12 months.
The equipment had been on a lease/purchase agreement, which has been fulfilled.