Sep 12, 2013 1 min read

• Date: Sept. 5

• Action: Related to the countywide property reassessment, the commissioners ratified the purchase of information technology hardware and software, Internet protocol phones, computers, operating licenses and fiber connectors totaling $30,627.

All are being purchased under state contracts that do not require bidding. The board also approved the purchase of an iPhone through Verizon for Robert Neil, consultant and former Washington County chief assessor, for $199 per month and a service charge of $50 per month.

At the request of the human resources department, the commissioners approved the renewal of the Highmark Freedom Preferred Provider Organization Blue contract for retirees older than 65, effective Jan. 1, 2014, through Dec. 31, 2014. The design rate will increase to $310 from $289, and the out-of-pocket cost will increase to $750 from $500.

The board will pay child custody officer John Richards $35,000, up from a previous $25,000, due to an increased caseload.

The county is purchasing a natural gas generator to provide emergency power backup at the courthouse for $204,367 from Palco Sales Corp., Norvelt, Westmoreland County.

• Next meeting: 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, in the public meeting room of the Courthouse Square office building.