SUNBURY - Steve Reiner, who has been praised for his outstanding efforts in dealing with all the emergencies, assistance programs and cleanups pertaining to flooding and other damage caused by Tropical Storm Lee and Hurricane Irene, no longer needs the word "acting" attached to his title.
The Kulpmont resident was promoted Tuesday by Northumberland County commissioners to the permanent position of county public safety director after serving as acting director since April. Reiner's salary of $42,766 will remain the same, but could be revised in the future.
Commissioners Frank Sawicki and Vinny Clausi, who praised Reiner for dealing with numerous flood-related issues, officially appointed him to the permanent post. Commissioner Merle Phillips was unable to attend the meeting.
"We are proud of the job he has done for the county," commented Clausi. After the meeting, Sawicki added, "The promotion is well deserved."
Reiner said he appreciated the opportunity the commissioners gave him to serve in the important position and praised his staff for their tremendous efforts in dealing with the effects of the storm and hurricane.
Reiner succeeded Paul Froutz, who resigned after serving in the position since Sept. 29, 2008.
Reiner had 15 years experience in the business and management profession and also served as a police officer in the local area for several years before accepting the public safety director post. He has a bachelor's degree in business administration and is working toward a degree in criminal justice with a concentration in emergency management and homeland security.
The commissioners endorsed a proposal to lower interest rates for businesses affected by the recent flooding and increase funding for the Housing Assistance Program to help victims of Tropical Storm Lee.
During the board of elections meeting that preceded the commissioners' session, Northumberland County Judge William H. Wiest and Deputy Court Administrator Kevin O'Hearn approved a motion to place the following question on the ballot for the Nov. 8 general election:
"Do you favor eliminating the Mount Carmel Area School District's occupational assessment tax with revenue produced by increasing the rate of the earned income tax in a maximum of 0.9 percent from the current 0.5 percent?"
Mount Carmel Area School District voters last year soundly defeated an attempt to eliminate the district's occupation assessment tax. The occupation assessment tax has been described as one of the most unfair taxes because it is based on job title, not income, and is relatively easy to evade.
Wiest announced the following polling place changes for the upcoming election:
Mount Carmel first ward, first precinct to New Life Church of God, Coal Township third ward to East End Fire Company, Coal Township eighth ward to Northumberland County Career and Technology Center, Shamokin first ward to Liberty Hose Company, and Sunbury eighth ward to Sunbury Community Hospital.
The last day to register before the election is Oct. 11 and the last day to apply for a civilian absentee ballot is Nov. 1.
Northumberland County President Judge Robert B. Sacavage, who chairs the election board, was unable to attend.
