In March, Schuylkill County treasurer Linda L. Marchalk said she'd shop around for better banking deals for the $44 million in the county's 70 or so accounts.

Last week, she announced the interest income the county gets for the funds from its primary bank, M&T, will double as a result of her efforts."My goal in sending out requests for proposals was to maximize the amount the county receives in interest income, and I'm very pleased that my goal was realized," she said.It had been 12 years since the last fresh proposals were sought."I want to express my thanks and appreciation to everyone who dedicated their time and effort to the process, including those financial institutions that made presentations but were not selected as the county's primary financial institution this time around. I plan to continue to look for ways to improve efficiency, lower costs, and maximize earnings for the benefit of the county's taxpayers, Marchalk said.After receiving responses from a number of financial institutions, the top contenders were invited to give presentations to Commissioners George F. Halcovage Jr., Frank J. Staudenmeier, and Gary J. Hess; Controller Christy Joy; former county administrator Mark Scarbinsky; Finance Director Paul Buber; Marchalk; and her deputy, Diana Bashinsky.