The Schuylkill County retirement fund continues to set record highs in fair market value.
During a retirement board meeting Wednesday, county Controller Christy Joy announced that the retirement fund was valued at $109,000,396 at the end of February. As of Wednesday, the fund had risen to $110,125,888.15.
"Look at the stock market itself. It is at a boom for the moment," Joy said. "We also have a good team managing the fund. It is well diversified and prepared if the stock market goes up or takes a hiccup."
Last March, the fund stood at $103,495,350.
During a public meeting Wednesday, the Schuylkill County commissioners approved several contract agreements.
SimplexGrinnell, Allentown, will provide testing, inspections and maintenance at county facilities from July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2016, for $54,822.
TKO Cleaning Services LLC, Pottsville, was awarded the contract for cleaning services at the Human Services building, 410-420 N. Centre St., Pottsville, from April 15, 2013, through April 14, 2016, for $102,000.
Metro Flag Co., Philadelphia, will provide 39,600 flags for the county to decorate the graves of deceased veterans for Memorial Day on May 27. Total cost is $19,008, or 48 cents per flag. A delivery date was set for the second week of April.
The board approved to advertise bids for an in-house laundry facility at Rest Haven nursing home, Schuylkill Haven, that will provide equipment, plumbing, electrical, supplies, linen purchases and management of the department. Bids will be due in the controller's office on April 1 and will be opened during a work session on April 3.
The board also authorized the use of $575,000 from the liquid fuels tax fund for repairs to the county bridge on Mahantongo Mountain Road over Mahantongo Creek in Upper Mahantongo Township. Repairs include replacement of pre-stressed beams, upgrades and erosion control.
The county also announced two retirements. Jane Wetz, Pine Grove, will retire as Recorder of Deeds first deputy effective March 22. Wetz had a salary of $49,923. Leo Breznik, West Mahanoy Township, will retire as a part-time assistant district attorney effective April 1. Breznik had a salary of $37,556.65.
The monthly prison board meeting will be held at 11 a.m. March 20in the prison classroom.