The Schuylkill County Commissioners took action at their work session Wednesday at the courthouse in Pottsville to contest the appeal of an owner of a commercial apartment building in Tamaqua who is challenging the market value and assessment levied on the apartment by the Schuylkill County Assessment Appeals Board.

The commissioners voted to allow the county solicitor's office to engage an appraiser to determine the market value of the building.The solicitor's office proposed hiring Anthony Matsell, an appraiser, to prepare and provide a commercial appraisal of the 14 unit apartment building at 401 Hunter Street in defense of the appeal filed by 401 Hazle Associates, owners of the building, from the ruling made by the assessment appeals board.The owners contend the property is valued at $265,000 and not $1.9 million as ruled by the appeals board. Attorney Robert Frycklund, of the solicitor's office, told the commissioners that Tamaqua Area School District has indicated that they will agree to reimburse the county for half of the costs for the appraisal services. The county court will hold a hearing on the appeal and render a decision.Other actionsA proclamation was adopted proclaiming the week of Oct. 23 through 31 as "Red Ribbon Week" which is a program sponsored by the Schuylkill County Alcohol and Drug Agency by encouraging its citizens to participate in drug prevention education and to wear or display red ribbon to make a visible show of support for drug-free communities. The agency reported there are more deaths, illnesses and disabilities from substance abuse than from any other preventable health condition. This year's campaign is "It's Up to Me to Be Drug Free."The commissioners approved three polling place changes for next months' general election.Because of the flooding in Pine Grove Borough the polling place is moved from the Pine Grove Lions Club building, which suffered flood damages, to the Pine Grove Hook and Ladder Fire Company building on Orchard Street.Two polling places are changed in the City of Pottsville. Since the closing of the Greenwood Hill Fire Company was disbanded the polling place which used their fire house is changed to Phoenix Fire Company building at 320 E. Norwegian St. for voters in the First Ward and voters from the Second Ward, who also voted at the Greenwood building, is being moved to the Schuylkill Heath School of Nursing at 450 Washington St.Dennis Moyer, Pottsville, was appointed to the Resolution Board which sits in session on election night where the votes from next Nov. 8 municipal election will be counted. He replaces Charles "Skip" Miller on the board. Moyer was also hired to deliver the electronic voting machines to the polling place. He will be paid $200 for delivery and $100 for sitting on the board.The commissioners reviewed service contracts for a number of agencies and requests for coal leases on which they will take action at the public meeting next Wednesday.Action taken on personnel matters were:Approved the promotions made by District Attorney James P. Goodman to two full time deputy assistants, Douglas Taglieri, Minersville, at $43,472 per year; and Jennifer Lehman, Washington Township, at $48,291 per year.Two appointments at Rest Haven Home and Hospital received approval.Julie Moyer, MaryD, Schuylkill Township, was appointed as part time licensed practical nurse at $15.99 per hour and Ashley Spittler, Pine Grove, as per diem nursing assistant at $13 per hour. Three transfers were also approved, Michelle Hummer, Saint Clair, from part time to full time licensed practical nurse at $16.8814 per hour and Ashley Ziegler, Pine Grove, at $15.99 per hour. Brittany Webb, Schuylkill Haven, from part time to full time nurse's aide at $11.72 per hour and Melissa Beck, Pine Grove, at $12.3734 per hour. The retirement of Darlene Torraco, Tremont, as full time physical therapy aide was accepted.The retirement of Carole Syzdek, Barnesville, as the county's zoning officer, was announced.