SMETHPORT — The McKean County commissioners rejected bids Tuesday for the county recycling center rehabilitation project that is proposed to be located at the Good Growing Gardens along U.S. Route 6, west of Smethport.
According to the commissioners, the two bids “were much higher than expected.” The L.C. Whitford Co., Inc. submitted a quote of $204,421.22, while Bob Cummins Construction’s bid came it at $154,749.50.
County recycling coordinator Justin Lund told The Era that this project would include a concrete surface under the recycling bins and parking area, a compactor at the site and a security system and cameras and a key card program. A fence would enclose the area.
Commissioners plan to revisit this matter.
Chief assessor Angelina Tennies reported on Monday’s tax sale. Twelve of the original 182 properties on the initial list were sold, bringing in a total of $100,428. Owners of 14 of the properties paid the taxes Monday just prior to the sale and 13 others were pulled from the sale. One hundred forty-three properties now advance to the judicial process.
In related matters, commissioners approved county, school and township real estate tax exemptions for 2017-18 for acreage the Pennsylvania Game Commission owns in Lafayette Township. This includes 40 acres on Route 59, 40 more acres also along Route and 201.60 acres on Riterville Road.
Meanwhile, the YWCA in Bradford, a non-profit organization, received tax exemption status for property it has acquired in Bradford. The property at 72 Congress St. is exempted from the 2017 school and 2018 county and township taxes. The property at 11 Elm St. is exempt for the 2017 and 2018 tax years.
Foster Brook Shops LLC, and Dale Howard were approved for real estate refunds. Foster Brook Shops will get $3,498.79 since the assessment was adjusted due to a court order settlement agreement. For Howard, the refund is $138.44, and this adjustment was adjusted due to an acreage correction.
Commissions OKd numerous resolutions. One is an agreement with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency for Emergency Management Performance Grant Funds. Andrew Johnson, the county 911 director, said this money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is funneled through PEMA, and the state has decided to use it for salaries and benefits.
For McKean County, this funding will represent 50 percent of the salaries for Johnson and Gerard Rettger, the county’s assistant 911 director.
