The budget and the pre-release prison center were the major topics discussed at the work session of the Schuylkill County Commissioners on Wednesday at the courthouse in Pottsville.

The financial team presented the final budget for 2011 for adoption at next week's public meeting and the commissioners are holding fast to no tax increase despite a predicted deficit of around $3.5 million.The commissioners did take action to finally start in motion on obtaining loan and construction bids for the pre-release center to be built next to the existing state correctional facility located just outside of Frackville in Ryan Township.Permission was granted to seek bids to be accepted by the controller's office until 3 p.m. Jan. 31, 2011, with the bids to be opened at a commissioners' meeting on Feb. 2.Action was taken to waived the interim financing requirement of the loan sought from the U.S. Agricultural Rural Development Bureau by borrowing against the county's debt service account. The interim financing allows the county to pay the construction costs and the county will get a loan of $2.3 million from the state to be amoratized over a 25 year period with the county paying out of the county court's supervision fund $9,000 per month. Construction of the pre-release center depends on bids received and if they exceed $3.5 million the county will not pursue the project.Budget newsThe commissioners received good and bad news about the budget.The financial team reported the anticipated deficit of $3 million for this year may not materialize but it will not be known until all bills for 2010 are paid which is not expected before next February. However, the county was able to save $1.5 million from the $4 million budgeted for the Children and Youth Service Agency. Also, job consolidation and elimination of certain positions also contributed to lower spending and the financial team predicts the county could end 2010 without a deficit.The prediction for 2011 is like it was made for 2010 in that a big deficit looms. Minor adjustments have been made to the budget but still the projection shows the general fund is short by $3,521,240, which again will have to be borrowed from the $10 million surplus fund as was in 2010.The report to the commissiones were to continue to carry out sound management strategies to lower costs where feasible, that immediate layoffs have been avoided, however, furloughs, along with outsourcing will be considered throughout the new calendar year in response to the general economy, tax revenues and federal and state allocations.The financial team reported several options, which include continued review of positions and consolidations of jobs where feasible, freeze on hiring, except for critical positions; restricted use of overtime and comp time, restricted travel and outsourcing opportunities.This will mark the seventh year without a tax increase. The commissioners expressed their thanks to the financial team of Mark Scarbinsky, Paul Buber and Paul Straka, the county judges and "row" office heads and employees who have cooperated fully in cutting expenses.Personnel mattersThe commissioners reviewed requests for appointments, transfers, resignations and retirements from the various departments on which they will take action at next week's public meeting.Office of Senior Services seeks to appoint Erica Fritzinger, Tamaqua, as a clerk typist. Rest Haven Home seeks to transfer three employees, Catherine Dallago, Pine Grove, from part time to full time nurse's aide; Monica Fanelli, Pine Grove, from part time to full time licensed practical nurse; and Sarah Dunkel, Pottsville, from part time to full time nurse's aide. Also it is requested the appointment of Rachael McGoey, Port Carbon, as a part time licensed practical nurse and Diane Bridges, Minersville, as a full time nurse's aide.Sheriff Joseph Groody announced James Whalen, of Mahanoy City, processing specialist in the Central Booking Department, is retiring and wants to transfer Elizabeth Rennick, Saint Clair, from clerk/typist in the Office of Senior Service to the position being vacated by Whalen.Charles Ross, who is retiring after 37 years as the executive director of the Schuylkill County Planning Commission, is being asked by the commissioners to serve as a per diem planning director to train his successor.Children and Youth Services Agency is requesting the appointment of Jonathan Pozza, Minersville, as a caseworker 1 and promotion of Sarah Snyder, Gordon, to caseworker 2. The agency also announced the appointment of Leanna Zukovich, Rush Township, as an unpaid student intern.District Attorney James P. Goodman announced the resignation of Attorney Robert Frantz, Branch Township, who served as an assistant district attorney, and is requesting the appointment of Tracy Zellin, Pine Grove, a part time secretary.Treasurer Jacquelyn McGovern seeks the appointment of Judy Howard, Butler Township, as a part time clerk.Salary boardThe Schuylkill County Salary Board held its work session to review requests made for creation and elimination of various positions.The treasurer's office is seeking to eliminate a full time clerk position and create a part time clerk position; the district attorney's office is seeking to eliminate a full time detective position and create a part time secretary position; the commissioners are seeking to create a position in the planning and zoning department of a per diem planning director; and the conservation district is seekiang to eliminate the position of conservation district mentor and is requesting a wage increase for Elizabeth Hinkel, Barry Township, conservation district manager.Action on the requests will be held at the board's public meeting next Wednesday.