One Schuylkill County commissioner is welcoming the recent bill introduced by state Sen. David Argall that would prohibit a fourth-class county from buying property of a third-class city without the OK from the school district and the city if it is an area designated for revitalization.

The county’s potential purchase of the former Giant building in Pottsville that is opposed by the city, business leaders and others was the catalyst for potential legislation. Argall introduced the bill that passed the Senate Local Government Committee Monday. The House and Senate must approve, and the governor needs to sign before it becomes law. That must be done in the current legislative session by the end of the year. Otherwise, it must go through the legislative process again in 2021.

“Officials from the city of Pottsville, Representatives Mike Tobash and Neal Goodman, and local businesses including Yuengling Brewery have been working on a bipartisan basis to revitalize downtown Pottsville. That effort is now endangered by our county government, which is just wrong,” Argall said in a statement.

Commissioner Gary Hess said Tuesday the idea has real promise.

“I think it’s a good piece of legislation,” he said, adding Argall’s office informed the commissioners by email he was introducing the bill.

Hess said all entities involved, city, county and school district, have a role to play.

“On property tax, everybody has a piece in it,” he said.

Hess has come out against the purchase of the property at 500 Progress Ave. because he believes it is better suited to the revitalization efforts in the city.

The commissioners are scheduled to vote on making an offer on the property at today’s meeting.

A decision has not been made on what the property will be used for if purchased, but potential uses include a warehouse for storage, more room for county employees and even a prerelease center, which would be for nonviolent offenders. Those with drug, alcohol or mental health concerns could obtain treatment at the center.

The site has more than 150 parking spaces county employees could use.

Hess said the administrative team of County Administrator Gary Bender, County Engineer Lisa Mahall and Finance Director Paul Buber hasn’t made an informal recommendation yet to commissioners, something Buber confirmed Tuesday. Official action at a commissioners meeting is needed if the county decides to purchase the property. The county had conducted an appraisal on the site, which they declined to release so far.

Bender had previously said he is for recommending the purchase of the property. He spoke to the prior board of commissioners about it.

Edward Silvera, president of Surrey Equities LLC which owns the property along with Winstanley Enterprises LLC, said Tuesday an offer has not been made on the property.

Commissioners Chairman Barron “Boots” Hetherington isn’t in favor of the bill.

“Any bill that restricts the county’s ability to operate, I’m concerned about that,” he said.

Hetherington said he called some elected leaders of fourth-class counties statewide that would be affected by the proposal and he said “they are not excited by it either.”

He said Argall is “a close friend,” but they disagree on this topic.

“I understand what Pottsville is trying to do,” he said regarding redevelopment, but he also has to look out for the county.

Commissioner George Halcovage Jr. has said buying the site is “an opportunity for the county.” He isn’t in favor of using Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security money for the purchase.

Pottsville Mayor James T. Muldowney has advocated for the property for revitalization purposes.

“We’re sad enough we lost the Giant,” he said.