The Lycoming County commissioners approved agreements with several local municipalities to collect the county township portion of the real estate taxes which will be out March 1. Action on the agreements had been tabled at last week’s meeting.

In addition to the following municipalities, the office will also collect for Cummings, McHenry and Jackson townships: Armstrong Township, Bastress Township, Brady Township, Cascade Township, Duboistown Borough, Fairfield Township, Franklin Township, Gamble Township, Hepburn Township, Jersey Shore, Jordan Township, Lewis Township, Limestone Township, McNett Township, Montgomery Borough, Montoursville Borough, Moreland Township, Muncy Borough, Nippenose Township, Penn Township, Picture Rocks Borough, Pine Township, Plunketts Creek, Salladasburg Borough, South Williamsport, Upper Fairfield Township, Washington Township, Woodward Township.

“I just also wanted to point out what a savings this is for the county. We’re going to be saving over $100,000 by my office collecting those,” said Cindy Newcomer, county Treasurer.

Newcomer also noted that she believes it will be a benefit for county residents because they will have access to information online 24/7.

“You can get a tax cert (certificate) online, but you can also call the office to get your tax certs for closings or questions or receipts,” she added.

Residents can also go to any Citizens and Northern Bank to pay the bills that come out next month.

Commissioner Marc Sortman wanted residents to know that the county’s action in no way diminished the role of local tax collectors.

“Obviously, the system was designed to have local tax collectors, so in your community, you had someone you could go talk to. But the nice thing with the county doing it is we do have regular business hours that are available for people to come in and talk, which, again, not taking anything away,” Sortman said, pointing out that local tax collectors often work out of their homes and do not have regular hours.

“It is a good benefit. There are 20 still elected tax collectors that do a great job for their communities,” Newcomer said.

“But again, we’re there 40 hours a week for attorneys closing facilities to reach out and get stuff immediately. We do have the online options. You know, bigger isn’t always better, but in this case, it is helpful for the residents and a cost savings,” she said.

Residents may choose to either mail payments, drop them at Newcomer’s department at Third Street Plaza or take them to C&N bank locations..

She also noted that her office does not collect any of the taxes that come out in July, which is the school district portion of real estate taxes.

During this week’s meeting, the commissioners approved several policy changes regarding the SEDA Council of Government. Including a resolution concerning the agreement between the two entities and also a resolution appointing Michael Hagen, the county’s human resources director as a compliance officer and language access coordinator.

The commissioners agreed to $24,000 for a FY2023 Community Development Block grant monies from Life Lycoming to Saving Grace following a public hearing on the request.

Justin Ulmer was also approved as a member of the county’s Planning Commission.

Under personnel, the commissioners approved: Dawn Miller as a full-time resident supervisor, a union position, at the Pre-Release Center at $19.20 per hour; and Renna Schneider, as a full-time agricultural conservation technician at Soil Conservation at $46,716.

The next commissioners’ meeting will be at 10 a.m., March 5 at the Commissioners’ Board Room, 3rd floor, Third Street Plaza, 33 W. Third St.