County Treasurer Jacqueline McGovern reported in July $1,715,255.71 was collected in real estate taxes in a report given to the Schuylkill County Commissioners at their work session held Thursday at the courthouse in Pottsville. She also reported the beginning balance of all accounts was $55,459,164.57 and the ending balance at $56,158,915.09.

The Office of Public Safety (9-1-1) was requesting approval of a professional services agreement with Essential Management Solutions, LLC, Pottsville, to complete the county's tri-annual consolidated wireline and wireless 9-1-1 plan as mandated by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. Scott Krater, director, reported no county funds will be needed as the entire amount covering the professional services is under written by a state grant.John Richmond, head of the adult probation department, requested a fee for service agreement with Alere Toxicology Services to provide the adult probation department with drug testing supplies, laboratry testing and result reports from test confirmations.County Engineer Lisa Mahall requested approval of an agreement with Alfred Benesch and Company for professional services to provide engineering design repairs to a county bridge which carries Black Creek Road over Mahanoy Creek in Barry Township. The cost is $25,700.She also requested permission to seek bids to furnish and install an uninterruptible power supply for the control and illumination of the county's seven traffic signals in North Manheim Township. Bids will be accepted in the controller's office until 3 p.m. on Sept. 19 and will be opened at a public meeting ion Sept. 21.Also reviewed with the board were renewal of coal mining leases with Mountaintop Coal Mining Company in Barry and Foster townships and Blackwood Mining Company in Reilly and Tremont townships.Grant Writer Gary Bender requested approval to advertise a public hearing to be held Oct. 12 in the courthouse for purpose to provide an opportunity for citizens to comment on the community development and housing needs of the county.Martina Chwastiak, head of the Human Resource Department, reported the Children and Youth Service Agency is seeking the following appointments:Heidi Yeastedt, Pottsville, and Lehigh Ann Reed, Deer Lake, as cawseworkers 1; Charlene Harman, Joliett, and Victoria Brink, South Manheim Township, as clerk typist 2; Debra Fridirici, Schuylkill Haven, social service aide 2.Rest Haven Home is requesting the appointment of Crystal Wallick, Hamburg, as part time registered nurse and asked for the transfer of Doreen Abode, Stewardsville, N.J., from part time practical nurse to full time licensed practical nurse.The treasury department is requesting the appointment of Shelly Smith-Moyer, North Manheim Township, as a part time clerk 2.The commissioners will act on the requests at next week's public meeting.