The operations of the beleaguered Schuylkill County Tax Claim Bureau will be temporarily taken over by a private firm.

At their weekly meeting Wednesday morning, the commissioners voted unanimously to hire Elite Revenue Solutions LLC to be the appointed agent for the county office, which has been in disarray for some time.

Earlier this year, the commissioners hired two former employees to help sort out the office.

Commissioner Chairman Larry Padora said while the two employees have done a good job, they need more help.

“Elite will take over the functions of the Tax Claim Bureau,” said county Solicitor Paul Datte.

Commissioner Gary Hess asked if the employee union has been contacted above the move. Datte said the union has been consulted.

“Elite will hire all of the employees in the Tax Claim office,” Datte said.