The Schuylkill County Commissioners passed a resolution Wednesday supporting paycheck protection legislation.
Legislation proposed in both the House and Senate wants labor unions to collect its dues, political contributions and fair share fees rather than deduct them from government employee paychecks. Fair share fees are for workers who decline union membership and usually cost about 80 percent of member dues.
The board approved the motion on a 2-1 vote Wednesday at a public meeting.
The lone Democrat on the board, Gary J. Hess, opposed the resolution.
"I just think it is a bad time to bring this up," Hess said, noting the county is involved in union negotiations.
Commissioners Chairman Frank J. Staudenmeier said the county has to deal with seven different unions representing its employees.
"There's really no good time because we are constantly in negotiations," Staudenmeier said.
George F. Halcovage Jr., also a Republican, voted in favor of the resolution.
Senate Bill 1034 and House Bill 1507 apply to only public sector unions and exclude policemen, firemen, prison guards and EMTs. Schuylkill County State Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124, is a sponsor of the House bill.
Labor leaders have argued that such legislation will damage its collective bargaining influence while proponents believe government should not be collecting political money.
Commissioners in Berks and Lehigh counties passed similar resolutions earlier this month also encouraging Gov. Tom Corbett and the General Assembly to pass the legislation.
A copy of the county resolution will be posted online at www.co.schuylkill.pa.us.
Also at the meeting, the board approved a lease agreement for new radios for the sheriff's department. Motorola Solutions Inc. will provide portable and mobile equipment for department vehicles. The lease is for five annual payments of $21,994.10.
The county grant writer's office is seeking bids for demolition projects in Girardville, Ashland and Frailey Township. Bids are due in the controller's office by March 31 and will be opened on April 2. A tentative award date is April 9.
The commissioners awarded a $50,530.90 contract to Bill Davis Cement Contractors, Mahanoy City, for the 2011 community development block grant program to make American with Disabilities Act improvements at the Mount Pleasant Fire Company in Foster Township.
The board also approved the appointment of three members to the board of assessment appeals for 2014: Mike Wozniski, Jacqueline Dorian and Richard Zula, all of Pottsville. Terms will be from March 1 through Dec. 31 at a rate of $30 per hour.