The Schuylkill County commissioners approved hikes in room and board rates at Rest Haven during the public meeting Wednesday.
Brought forward during the commissioners' work session last week, the rates have been increased from $250 a day each to $325 for a private room, $300 for a semi-private room with three beds, $275 for a room with four beds and $300 for an Alzheimer's unit per day starting Sept. 1.
During the work session, Jill Schaeffer, Rest Haven administrator, said the increases were "in line with neighboring facilities" and the facility rates have not increased since November 2009.
In other news, the commissioners authorized the annual county fall cleanup event from Sept. 17 through Sept. 29. The event will include nine sites throughout the county and is open to all residents. The state Department of Environmental Protection is partnering with the county for the event and will reimburse up to 50 percent of all costs.
The board also approved Wednesday to advertise for bids for collecting waste electronics and tires for the annual event.
The board also approved an agreement with Reading Anthracite Co., Pottsville, to supply about 1,000 tons to the Schuylkill County Courthouse and County Prison from Aug. 1 through July 31, 2013. The cost per ton delivered is $169.50.
St. John's United Methodist Church of Christ, 121 E. Main St., Schuylkill Haven, will be used as a county senior center following the board's approval of a lease that will go into effect Aug. 1, expiring on July 31, 2015.
The Church's Fellowship Hall, located in the basement, will be used as the center. Consisting of 2,535 square feet, monthly rent is $880, or $4.17 a square foot.
County Administrator Mark Scarbinsky said last week the site has been previously used as a senior center and has just undergone renovations.
The county salary board approved two transfers within Rest Haven and an appointment in human resources following the commissioners' public meeting Wednesday. Melanie Devers, Port Carbon, was transferred from part-time nurse's aide to full-time, at an hourly rate of $11.72. Rose Nordall, Pine Grove, was transferred from full-time nurse's aide to full-time housekeeper at $14.63. Both transfers are effective July 30.
Theresa Zubris, New Philadephia, was appointed to part-time office support at an hourly rate of $11.09, effective Wednesday.
Also at Rest Haven, Sheena Witman, Orwigsburg, resigned as part-time licensed practical nurse, effective July 23.