Payment schedule changed

By Mary Grzebieniak

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Lawrence County Controller David Gettings is taking measures to stretch the county’s available cash as much as possible to meet budgetary needs if the state fails to reach a budget agreement soon.

But he told the county commissioners Tuesday he is in “uncharted territory” as far as meeting the fiscal situation created by failure of the state to pass a 2009-10 budget before the new fiscal year started July 1.

Gov. Ed Rendell and the Legislature are in the seventh day of a budget impasse over how to deal with a multibillion-dollar deficit.

Already, Gettings said, paychecks have stopped coming for judges and court administrators who are paid directly by the state.

But several county offices, such as Children and Youth Services, Mental Health/Retardation and Domestic Relations, are paid by the county, which is reimbursed by the state within 30 days.

Gettings said the county has to be ready for the possibility that the state may not be issuing the reimbursement for several months.

He said he also will slow down on payments to vendors. Though outstanding bills are usually paid every Thursday, Gettings said he will contact each vendor and start paying bills every two weeks to try to conserve cash. He said the bills will still be paid before any penalties are incurred.

The controller added he will get together with Treasurer Richard Rapone and do a cash-flow analysis to determine the best way to handle the situation.

Also, Commissioner Dan Vogler reported that commissioners met Tuesday with engineers concerning the Nashua Road bridge in Pulaski Township and that the bridge should be replaced by next summer before the September 2010 school start.

Vogler also reported there will be a public meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Mill Street Grille, 11 N. Mill St., New Castle, to discuss plans for construction of the county- owned bridge on Mill Street.

Commissioner Steve Craig also asked for volunteers to serve on several vacancies on county boards. These include one opening each on the County Airport Authority, the Industrial Development Authority, the Redevelopment Authority and the Municipal Authority.

Any county resident interested in one of the unpaid positions should submit a letter of interest including his or her Social Security number to the commissioners’ office at the county government center, 430 Court St., New Castle, PA 16101.

The letter also should give commissioners the authority to conduct a background check.