Catharine Township Votes to Use Federal Rescue Plan Funds for Employees

Last year, all U.S. counties received a grant from the federal government – American Rescue Plan funds – to help with pandemic-related expenses.

During the Jan. 3 re-organization meeting, the Catharine Township supervisors voted to use some of the money to help township employees. The supervisors agreed to give the five employees a $600 bonus each in lieu of a pay raise to reward them for working during the pandemic. This is what the ARP manual deemed "premium pay."

Supervisor Ken Brenneman made the motion with Supervisor Ralph Rispoli seconding. Supervisor Heather Flaig abstained as she is an employee of the township.

"This is just a way to thank our employees," Brenneman said.

Flaig was re-elected as chairman, Brenneman was re-elected as vice chairman and Rispoli was re-elected as supervisor. Supervisor Flaig was reappointed as township secretary and Brenneman was reappointed as township treasurer. Rick Smith and Randy Miller were reappointed as road workers with Michael Fay reappointed roadmaster.

Auditors were elected: six-year term, Daryl Cole; four-year term, Louis Brenneman; and two-year term, Kent Wilson.

The township has been looking for a new solicitor based on a lack of communication between the township and the current solicitor. After considering four applications, attorney Nathan Karn was appointed. Karn is also the solicitor for Williamsburg Borough and the Williamsburg Municipal Authority.

In his application letter to Catharine Township, Karn stated that if an issue would arise involving Catharine Township, the borough or the authority, the township would have to find other counsel. Supervisor Flaig made the motion to appoint Karn with Supervisor Rispoli seconding and the motion passed.

For General Fund checking, the supervisors agreed to keep accounts at Riverview Bank until a decision is made about the bank's closing. If it closes, the township could move accounts to Mid Penn Bank.

All emergency work by road workers or laborers during New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day was increased to be paid at double time.

Snow removal rates changed for road workers. If they work eight hours and past 4:30 p.m., they will be paid time and a half. Supervisor Brenneman made the motion with Chairperson Flaig seconding, and motion passed.

Catharine Township will continue to hold its regular meetings at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the township building. The next meeting will be Thursday, Jan. 20.