MERCER COUNTY COG faces snag in plan on city codes

The state doesn't have enough to fund all requests for aid.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- The Mercer County Regional Council of Government has hit a snag in its plan to enforce building codes in 19 municipalities.
The COG applied to the state Department of Community and Economic Development for a $108,000 grant to launch the program this summer, but the state has said that money won't be forthcoming, at least not in the amount requested, said James DeCapua, COG executive director.
The state, which mandated tougher municipal building code regulations that take effect later this year, set aside only $900,000 to fund joint ventures but has received $5 million in applications, DeCapua said.
COG might get some of its request, but there are no guarantees, he said. The money could even come in over a two-year period. COG had planned to hire inspectors to run the program but, without assured financing, is looking at other options.
Program mandatory
The new state program is mandatory, though municipalities can opt out and let enforcement fall to the state Department of Labor and Industry.
DeCapua said DCED officials suggested that COG ask the city of Hermitage to handle the joint enforcement program, but Gary Hinkson, Hermitage city manager, said that is premature.
Hermitage has yet to decide if it will run its own code enforcement program under the new state requirements, he said.
That's an issue city commissioners have yet to resolve, he said, noting that he planned to explain the city's options to the commissioners at a work session Thursday.
The new code regulations go into effect July 1, but municipalities have until Aug. 7 to decide if they will run their own programs.
DeCapua said COG had hoped to have its joint program in place in July.
If Hermitage isn't interested or decides not to run its own program, COG will have to look for another, third party, inspector, he said.