Many of those who depend on CareerLink services in Shamokin were disappointed last November when the announcement was made that the building would be closing in 2011.
The November 2010 decision by the Workforce Investment Board of the Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corporation, (CPWDC) closed offices in Shamokin and Selinsgrove in favor of a central location.
In February, CPWDC voted to enter negotiations for a month-by-month lease with Northumberland County, not because it changed its mind, but because it needed more time to find a new location.
In April, however, the Sunbury Municipal Building was chosen as the location of the consolidated office, taking up two of the building's three floors.
CPWDC officials said they would realize a great savings because of the move, especially in the face of reduced federal funding.
Northumberland County Commissioner Chairman Frank Sawicki said he was sorry to see CareerLink leave Shamokin, but understood the economics behind it.
Coal Township commissioners were not as agreeable, according to a statement they released.
"It makes no sense to move a service whose sole purpose it is to find people jobs and keep them out of poverty from an area where it is already perfectly located," the statement said.
The Sunbury location opened on July 5; the Selinsgrove CareerLink moved to the new site Aug. 10.
Despite the controversy, the site still continues to help people find employment in a tough economy.