by justin strawser
SUNBURY - The Criminal Court Cost Office will be transferred away from the jurisdiction of the Clerk of the Works to the Adult Probation office, as determined by the Northumberland County commissioners Tuesday afternoon at their bi-monthly board meeting.
The probation office has arresting powers for those violating court costs and the collection rate is estimated to be much higher under the new arrangement.
"This is a major milestone," said Commissioner Chairman Frank Sawicki.
President Judge Robert B. Sacavage said the decision was not taken lightly, and the change required the cooperation of three departments.
Prothonotary Kathleen Wolfe Strausser said the move will assist her office, as it is already straining with less employees.
Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Merle Phillips made and seconded the motion. It passed 5-0, with Sacavage and Strausser voting with the motion as well. Sawicki said the vote went beyond just the commissioners because the motion involved structural changes in the court system.
The change should be fully implemented by August, Sacavage said.
In other business:
- The commissioners approved the exploration of banking options to determine whether the county can find better interest rates.
- The Courthouse, Administration Center, Human Services Complex and related county facilities will be closed Monday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.
- A Pharmaceutical Recycling Event will be held at Weis Markets, 555 Mahoning St., Milton, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 6, sponsored by the county, the Northumberland County Conservation District, Snyder County and Weis.
- A county vehicle auction will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 23, at the vehicle maintenance garage across Route 225 from Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Coal Township.