Commissioners OK site for district justice's office

Previous plans for the office had fallen through.
MERCER -- A site for a new district justice's office in Farrell has been approved by Mercer County commissioners.
They entered an agreement to buy a condominium in an office building at Idaho Street and Spearman Avenue to house District Justice Henry Russo's office, now in Hermitage.
The building was bought from Emil Koledin for $269,000. Wesex Corporation of West Middlesex will make necessary renovations. Occupancy is expected in 90 days.
A plan to buy the former C's Waffle House in Sharon fell through after objections from the Farrell school board. Before that, Farrell City Council had favored a site at Spearman Avenue and Roemer Boulevard, but commissioners determined it was too expensive.
The county wanted to locate the office in Farrell because most of the cases heard by Russo originate in Farrell.
Other action
Commissioners also approved giving the Mercer County Affordable Housing Fund Board $20,771 toward a $650,000 low-income housing project sponsored by Mercer County Community Action Agency. The county's contribution comes from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund which is derived from fees collected when deeds are recorded.
Commissioners also said William Barbary has been hired as site supervisor for the new jail construction. There were 14 applicants and four finalists. They said Barbary got the job based on his experience with A & amp;B Mechanical in New Castle. His wage will be announced when commissioners formally hire him.