Workers get more for gas

staff report

MERCER, Pa. – County employees received a 4 cent increase in gas mileage reimbursement when Mercer County Commissioners met Thursday.

The rate increases their reimbursement for personal vehicle use on county business from 40 to 44 cents per mile effective June 1.

At Wednesday’s work session, Commissioner John Lechner had pointed out that even at 40 cents per gallon, county employees are receiving $8 for 20 miles, which more than compensates them for gasoline prices.

In other business Thursday, commissioners:

URenewed their insurance contract for property and general liability insurance with Pennsylvania Counties Risk Pool for one year starting June 1 at a $289,361 premium, a $26,243 decrease from 2007-2008.

UEntered a contract with Phoenix Youth Services, Inc., Adamsville, to provide female residential services for Children and Youth Services if needed at a daily rate of $175.88.

UApproved a contract with Carol Houck of Hermitage as an independent contractor to provide part-time secretarial services for jury commissioners at $50 a day for up to five days monthly.

Commissioners also heard a report on the Mercer County employees’ pension fund at the quarterly meeting of the County Retirement Board. Deputy Controller Mark Williams reported the rate of return on investments was - 6.33 percent for the quarter ending March 31. This dropped the fund’s net assets from $47.3 million to $45.5 million.