Schuylkill County treasurer Linda L. Marchalk is seeking to get the best banking deal possible for the $44 million in the county's 70 or so accounts.

Marchalk is sending requests for proposals to seven area banks, including M&T, which the county has used for years."We want to see if we can maximize our interest rate and minimize what we're paying in fees," she said.M&T waives most of the fees, which run between $15,000 and $20,000 a month, Marchalk said.The requests will go out around March 30, and she expects having a decision made by the end of April.It's been at least 12 years since fresh proposals were sought, she said."With the combination of budgetary challenges in the public sector, low market rates and narrowing investment opportunities caused by bank-related regulatory changes, it is necessary to maximize the value of the county's operating funds for the benefit of taxpayers. I want to thank the commissioners, elected officials and department heads for their cooperation with this endeavor," she said.Marchalk announced the move at a public commissioners meeting Wednesday.In other matters, commissioners approved a number of personnel actions.They include accepting the resignation of Schuylkill Conservation District manager Elizabeth Hinkel, effective April 1.Commissioner Gary J. Hess said Hinkel, who earned $50,384, resigned to spend more time with her family on their farm.Other personnel moves included approving the termination of correctional officer Zachary Broomell, effective March 16. Commissioners did not say why he was fired.Commissioners also accepted the retirement of Children and Youth Services case manager 1 Linda Badger, effective April 1. Badger earned $61,398.The county Salary Board approved a salary of $47,437 for Kathleen Yourey, who was promoted to county casework supervisor for the Children and Youth Services agency.Also, Paul Steffanic was transferred from interim deputy to first deputy of the Clerk of Courts office at a salary of $37,628.