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Lycoming County Commissioners act on employee pension needs

Lycoming County commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to pay a big chunk of the county employee pension obligation for this year.

The $1 million payment will take care of just over half of the amount needed to satisfy the retirement fund for 2020.

That leaves $945,444 that will be paid later this year.

COVID-19 issues delayed payments into the pension plan this year, according to county officials.

Prior to approving the payment, they debated how to best handle the pension obligation.

“I have no issue with funding the pension,” Commissioner Tony Mussare said.

The problem, he noted, was paying it off for the year at a time when state and federal dollars are tight.

“Is it wise for us to contribute about $2 million this year to that fund? I say not,” he said.

County Controller Krista Rogers said, “By not contributing we are kicking the can down the road.”

Commissioner Rick Mirabito suggested paying off part of the pension obligation now.

County officials noted that the pension fund has been financially sound.

Under the defined pension plan, the county’s more than 500 full-time employees help contribute to their retirements by paying between eight and 10 percent of their wages into it.

In other matters, commissioners approved an emergency procurement resolution allowing for the purchase of a portable shower trailer and a backup command center.

It was noted the purchases are needed to cover the 911 Center in case of a COVID-19 outbreak

The items will be funded by a portion of the county’s $10.2 million COVID-19 allocation.

Commissioner Scott Metzger noted that the recycling drop-off on West Third Street in Williamsport was among those recently targeted by people dumping their trash.

He vowed to have the individuals prosecuted who committed the wrongful dumping. Cameras are in place at the West Third Street drop-off site, he added.

“As a county leader I am extremely upset,” he said.

Commissioner Tony Mussare said those doing the dumping are going to ruin recycling for everyone.

The commissioners will next meet 10 a.m. Tuesday at Executive Plaza, 330 Pine St., Williamsport.

There will no meeting Thursday, Sept. 17.

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