As a means of collecting the money lost by the county during the voting machine debacle that plagued the 2007 elections, the county commissioners executed a settlement agreement with the state at their Thursday meeting that would pave the way for a reimbursement of the 2007 election expenses.

“Under this agreement, the state would defer the cost of the 2007 election, when the voting machines were deemed by the state as not approved for use in the election and the county incurred a cost of $55,606.21," said County Solicitor Lee Krause.

In order for the county to receive these monies, the commissioners had to sign the settlement agreement, “which basically states that the county will not sue the state as a result of the 2007 election," explained Kraus.

Kraus estimated that they county would receive the reimbursement check from the state sometime during the month of January.

Other business:

•The newly-formed County Employee Social and Wellness Committee held a Christmas cookie sale to benefit the Wayne County Children’s Christmas Bureau on Tuesday at the courthouse. Over $500 was raised to benefit the organization, which assists needy children in the area during the holiday season.

•Treasurer Bruce Mackle and Business Manager John Haggarty presented the 2008 Tax Anticipation proposals for review by the Commissioners and Solicitor Krause. On Dec. 12, a request from the county went out to all local banks requesting proposals for the 2008 Tax Anticipation Loan. All four banks in Honesdale submitted proposals. The proposal submitted by Wayne Bank, with a 2.98 percent interest rate on an up to $2.4 million principal, was accepted by both the Commissioners and Krause. The county receives this loan annually in anticipation of yearly taxes.

•Human Services Administrator Andrea Whyte presented the Commissioners with the Children and Youth first quarter fiscal report, which was approved. The total expenditures for the quarter are $1,003,948. The local share of those expenses was 18 percent of the total amount. The first quarter covers the months from July through September. Whyte also discussed several human service contracts while at the meeting. A contract with Joseph Vavisca , a professional consultant recommended by PennDOT, for consultation on the rate setting for transportation was approved. Currently, transportation is being offered at a single rate, and Vavisca is researching the possibility of utilizing various rates, which would be dependent on traveling distances. Most rates are subsidized up to 85 percent, and some rates may be subsidized up to 100 percent.

Vavisca will be paid $10,000, which will be paid by PennDOT. The Wayne County Commissioners meet every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. in the Courthouse. There will not be a meeting on Tuesday in observance of the Christmas holiday. The next County Commissioners meeting will be on Thursday, Dec. 27.