Schuylkill County government officials are beginning the process of privatizing the Tax Claim office at the Courthouse.
At Wednesday’s work session meeting, Solicitor Paul Datte read a proposal to prepare and advertise an ordinance that “pursuant to Section 6860.201A of tthe Real Estate Tax Sale Law to accept the proposal of Elite Revenue Solutions LLC to be appointed the agent for the Schuylkill County Tax Claim Bureau under the provisions of the Real Estate Tax Sale Law.”
Essentially, this would take the Tax Claim office from one run by the County government to one run by a private company, Elite Revenue Solutions LLC, of Wilkes-Barre.
Lehigh and Luzerne counties have contracted with this firm for similar services.
“Elite Revenue would receive the fees established under RETSL for managing the Tax Claim Bureau,” Datte said Wednesday.
The company would fund all operational expenses of that office and operate out of the Tax Claim office at the Courthouse and lease that facility from the County.
Datte said Elite Revenue will work with the county to offer jobs to all existing employees of the Tax Claim Bureau.
The Schuylkill County Tax Claim office has received more headlines than it normally would in recent years.
Its Director and Assistant Director – Angela Toomey and Denise McGinley-Gerchak – were suspended for nearly 3 years following allegations by the previous Commissioners administration that they performed unauthorized searches of records using LexisNexis.
Nothing ever came from those accusations and those employees were eventually brought back to work earlier this year, soon after the current assembly of Commissioners were seated.
Commissioner Larry Padora said this decision to hand over management of the Tax Claim Bureau to Elite Revenue was done “in conjunction” with both those employees.
“We all sat down and talked about this and believe this is the right way to go,” Padora said.
Datte said it was actually the Director’s suggestion.
The goal, Padora said, is to get that particular office “straightened out” and said Toomey believes this is the most effective way to get it straightened out.
Commissioner Gary Hess asked Datte if the employees union was contacted regarding this proposed change.
The Solicitor said they were and that the union has requested a “meet and discuss” session to work out details.
A vote to authorize the Solicitor’s office to prepare and advertise that ordinance is expected next week.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...