Commissioners seek leaner, effective government

By Cloyd E. Brenneman
Chairperson, Mercer County Commissioners

The year 2000 (Y2K) has arrived — the world has not ended and every computer on earth did not crash. Therefore it’s safe to assume we can proceed with business at hand.

As we take Mercer County into the next millennium, concentration on areas of importance continue to be addressed by this board of commissioners.

Economic development: Industrial growth continued at a strong pace in prior decades with nearly 500,000 square feet of new industrial space at an investment of nearly $71 million in facilities and equipment. This good news has created a shortage of industrial land and limited the available skilled work force. The new Y2K County Board of Commissioners is considering a bond issue for funding infrastructure (water, sewer, etc.) and creation of a Mercer County Workforce Development Council. These two initiatives will create jobs paying a living wage.

Low-cost housing: The county commissioners, in conjunction with the county recorder, Mercer County Housing Authority and Mercer County Community Action Agency will create a low-income housing trust fund by increasing recordation fees.

Prisoner housing: Although the prisoner population has stabilized, there still is an average of 1822 prisoners housed outside of Mercer County every day.

A solution such as a “work release center” will relieve the housing population in the present jail. Areas currently utilized by work-release and female housing can be converted to other uses. Lighting, fire and safety, kitchen and general maintenance can be updated.

Tourist promotion: Tourism in Mercer County has grown into a major industry ($50-plus million), with the Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau occupying new offices in downtown Sharon. With growth comes change. The Pennsylvania Legislature has empowered some counties, including Mercer, to impose an up-to-2-percent hotel/motel room tax. Revenues generated by this tax are to be directed into tourism promotion and development.

Mercer County Bicentennial: Mercer County, rich in heritage, is celebrating its 200th birthday with several events planned throughout the year, including a birthday party in March at the courthouse, a banquet in April, a “Celebration of Faith” in May and the Mercer Community Band will perform on July 4th on the shores of the Shenango Reservoir with patriotic music followed by a grand fireworks display.

A wide variety of souvenirs depicting the rich history of our county is available for purchase through the office of the Bicentennial Commission Headquarters on South Pitt Street, Mercer, such as afghans, banners, clocks, flags, plates, etc.

The Bicentennial Commission, created by the Mercer County Board of Commissioners and orchestrated by Chairperson John G. “Jerry” Johnson, has been working for more than a year on this memorable celebration.

Computerized voting system: Mercer County commissioners are researching a simplified voting system known as “touch screen.” This new system will not only simplify voting but reduce costs.

The commissioners foresee a solid future for Mercer County as we continue to strive to streamline the overall operation of county government without jeopardizing services.

By diligently pursuing and thoroughly researching avenues of economic development with our community leaders, selecting cost-saving alternatives to alleviate prisoner housing, promoting the growth of tourism and assisting the available skilled work force in finding jobs, we can create a tremendous economic change that will benefit the residents of Mercer County. It’s on the horizon.

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