The Schuylkill County Commissioners are considering borrowing up to $6.6 million with an eye toward future improvements.

Last week’s agenda - one in which Commissioner Gary Hess did not attend for the third week in a row - shows a resolution to borrowing the money to pay for a broadband project which includes the “planning, design, purchase, acquisition, construction, repair, replacement, renovation reconfiguration and improvement, and related appurtenances, and suitable fixtures, furnishings and equipment.”

It also provides for “certain improvements, additions, upgrades and renovations to various county buildings, facilities and properties, to the extent of funds available for such additional projects collectively the capital project.”

Finance Director Paul Buber did not return an email for comment Friday.

Commissioners Barron “Boots” Hetherington and George Halcovage Jr. voted for the resolution.

County Administrator Gary Bender said the topic was on the agenda because it is “time sensitive.”

“The option is for you to exercise if you want to,” Bender said.

Halcovage said the broadband project is one that will benefit county residents.

“I think we are on the right track for the residents of Schuylkill County,” he said.

The upcoming county budget was also discussed briefly.

“There is still a significant hole in here,” Bender said between revenues and expenses.

Efforts are ongoing to narrow the gap.

“We have to pass a balanced budget, and we are not there yet,” Bender said.

Halcovage said the county is doing what it can under the current economic climate. He said there are many unknowns.

“What is the state budget and the federal budget going to provide us?” Halcovage said, adding the county is required to provide certain core services to county residents.

Hetherington said the governmental bodies are facing the unknown with their budgets.

“We are in unchartered waters. This has not been seen before with the COVID situation. The state is in a financial bind too,” he said,

Hetherington said there is still Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act money in Harrisburg that can distributed to the counties.