The Chester County Commission met in regular session Monday, May 12, at the Chester County Criminal Justice Center, with all commissioners present.
Agenda items included a driver’s kiosk to be installed at the local library, discontinuation of wheel tax exemptions, a PILOT tax credit agreement for Heritage Towers and other county business. The Commission unanimously approved all budget amendments and quarterly reports.
Chester County Library Director Chrystal Richerson shared with the commission several upcoming and ongoing events at the library. The summer reading program begins soon with support from a $3,000 grant from Dollar General; a Southwest Cares grant will be put toward increasing functionality; the library will be the pickup site for the summer food program in Chester County; and a driver services kiosk is coming to the library, Richerson said. The summer food program provides breakfast and lunch to in-county youth under 18. Pickup will be Saturdays from May 24 through June 26. The self-service driver’s services kiosk should be delivered soon according to Richerson and will provide an option for drivers to renew licenses, pay fees, update information, etc.
Fire Chief Stephen Moore and Brooke Schotter, retention and recruiting, addressed the commission on behalf of the Chester County Fire Department, discussing the department’s activity with the new emergency medical responder program, joint training and mutual aid with the Henderson City Fire Department and current uncertainty of grants for emergency services as the system is restructured. Schotter is actively recruiting new volunteer firefighters, explaining that as the department grows they are able to respond more efficiently in Chester County.
The commission unanimously approved a one-year renewal of the ambulance contract with Medical Center EMS at the current rate, $419,127. Chester County currently generates around 200 calls each month.
The Private Act pertaining to the county wheel tax exemption was unanimously approved on the second vote, removing tax exemption from one-ton (or greater) trucks, motorcycles and side-by-sides, effective Tuesday, May 13. This is not a wheel tax increase, County Clerk Stacy Smith clarified, it implements a wheel tax on vehicles which had previously been exempt. This change will create around $80,000 in tax revenue for the county, he added.
In an 18/0 roll call vote, the commission approved a solid waste scale fee increase from $60/ton to $80 per ton. Solid Waste Director Thomas Winbush said this will only affect commercial haulers and contractor demolition or other large-scale loads which are weighed and assessed fees by the ton. Winbush also received unanimous approval to seek bids on 165 acres of timber permitted for landfill use, which would potentially be a source of revenue for the county.
Chester County Mayor Barry Hutcherson received unanimous approval from the commission concerning opioid abatement council funds to provide preventive services including:
• wireless internet in the Chester County Justice Center to allow those incarcerated to participate in on-line courses directed toward rehabilitation and prevention
• installation of AED machines and Narcan (as well as training for each) in each county building.
City of Henderson Mayor Terry Bell addressed the county, expressing gratitude for the working relationship between the city and county fire departments and giving a progress update on development of an industrial site within the city. Bell then turned the topic at hand, introduction of a PILOT (Payment In Lieu of Tax) program for Heritage Towers through the city’s Industrial Development Board, a joint partnership between a non-profit and a for-profit which would result in about $9 million in renovations including fire prevention/protection but would not bring an increase in cost to the residents. The agreement is also expected to provide new taxe revenue in the amount of $10,000 to be split at $7,500 to the city and $2,500 to the county. The commission approved the PILOT program in an 18/0 roll call vote.
In other news, the commission unanimously approved the Three Star fiscal confirmation letter and the Solid Waste annual meeting. Progress was reported on the Health Department with construction nearing completion and improvements continuing in the Fairgrounds area with installation of lighting and a livestock show planned in August. A cellular company has expressed interest in placing a tower on the county’s Solid Waste property. More research will be done on whether the company will purchase or lease the property and potential fees which could be accrued.
Mayor Hutcherson shared there were no findings or issues in a recent Information Systems Audit on the Office of the Mayor and Accounting and Budget Director.
In a special announcement, Hutcherson also expressed a need for volunteer firefighters in the Chester County Fire Department.
