Sep 30, 2009 3 min read

A decision by the Fayette County commissioners to seek ways to save money in the absence of a state budget has led to the county essentially getting a service for free. At the agenda meeting of the commissioners earlier this month, Chairman Vincent Zapotosky said Delta Development Corp. of Mechanicsburg has agreed to work for the remainder of the year without pay.

The commissioners had entered into a contract in March with Delta for $8,500 a month to seek state and federal grant money for the county.

However, when the commissioners were discussing ways to save money until a state budget is passed and county agencies receive state funding, Zapotosky and Commissioner Vincent A. Vicites had agreed to terminate the contract with Delta.

Zapotosky said upon speaking with the firm, they understood the county’s financial plight, but wanted to continue some work they had begun. He said Delta agreed that continuing without a contract would be a good public relations approach.

Commissioner Angela M. Zimmerlink, who voted against approving the contract with Delta, broached the contract issue at the agenda meeting when she asked county manager Warren Hughes why an amended contract with Delta was not on the list of items requiring action.

Hughes said he didn’t have an amended contract, and Zapotosky responded that since he had expressed a desire to end the contract, the company agreed to work for free.

Vicites said it is his understanding that the firm has agreed to work for free for the remainder of the year.

“We are getting quality services for the balance of the year for nothing,” Zapotosky said.

Hughes said Tuesday that work is under way to amend the contract, which would have to be approved by the commissioners. He said the firm has not been paid for more than a month.

Zapotosky said an addendum to the contract would likely be on next month’s agenda for approval, once it is received.

“We will have to vote to support an amended contract for them to do the work for free,” Zapotosky said.

During the agenda meeting, Zimmerlink said a formal vote has to be taken to amend the contract.

Delta has worked for neighboring Greene County for years and has been credited with bringing millions of dollars in funding for Greene County projects.

In April, Zapotosky said that Delta had presented itself at an opportune time and had secured money for the county since they were retained.

Zimmerlink said at that time that Delta employees aren’t “miracle workers” and they shouldn’t be complimented. She said the $875,000 that Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation is receiving and the $1 million that is being allocated for the Joseph A. Hardy/Connellsville Airport was already coming to the county anyway.

Zapotosky said some of the money was in the works, but Delta has been involved in attempting to secure other money.

“They are experts in their field and our neighbors in Greene County are pleased with their work,” Zapotosky said.