The Schuylkill County Commissioners rehired an audit firm which had audited the county's financial transactions in past years and approved by the county controller Christy Joy, in action taken at Wednesday's public meeting held at the courthouse in Pottsville.

The firm of Zelenkofske Axelrod (ZA), LLC, of Harrisburg, was hired for three years, 2012, 2013 and 2014, to perform the county's annual single audit under the county code and to perform the tri-annual audit of the 9-1-1 fund. The total cost of the agreement for the three year period is $234,684.The firm previously did the audit but under the past board of commissioners another firm was hired which clashed with the controller's office resulting in court actions.Other businessThe board approved of the PA Savin 2013 Program for the county prison to participate. This program is a statewide automated victim information and notification program. The fee is $2,144.85. for the year. Prison officials notify the victims when the perpetrator is released.Jill Schaeffer, administrator at Rest Haven Home, was authorized to seek bids to furnish medical surgical supplies to the hospital. Bids must be submitted to the controller's office by May 13.Three people were appointed to the Assessments Appeal Board, Jackie Dorian, Richard Zula, and Mike Wozniski, all of Pottsville area, for the term from March 27 through Dec. 31. They will be paid $30 per hour. The board hears appeals on tax assessments of properties.Action taken on personnel matters were:Two new correctional officers were hired, who were recommended by the prison board, to work in the county prison. Hired were Justin Bedford, Schuylkill Haven, and Christian Moyer, Ringtown, at $17.0034 per hour. Brian Rice, Pottsville, was promoted to a first lieutenant rank and salary set at $54,992 per year.Thomas LaPorte, Drums, Luzerne County, was appointed a deputy coroner and investigator at a salary to be determined as the fee schedule is under revue.Recorder of Deeds informed the board Marcie Schultz, Schuylkill Haven, was promoted to position of first deputy to fill a vacancy and her salary set at $38,262 per year.The public defender's office announced the resignation of Jesselyn Heaps, Schuylkill Haven, as a per diem investigator.At Rest Haven Home the resignation of Heidi LaFaver, Auburn, part time nurse's aide, and Cheryl Kauffman, Schuylkill Haven, part time laundry aide, were approved.All three commissioners, Frank Staudenmeier, chairman, and Michael Halcovage and Gary Hess, were present.