RACE OF THE RAVEN – The Shenandoah Borough Municipal Authority (MABS) has hired a new employee, approved a new payment program and can farm land, the authority said at its meeting on Thursday.

The Board of Directors met at their Raven Run offices.

With a 4-0 vote, the authority approved the hiring of an uncertified operator for the water plant. Their name was not provided, pending their acceptance of the offer.

The authority also approved the establishment of a new payment program for customers.

“The billing system we use offers a payment program for customers that allows them to make payments over the phone, online, they can make payments by check, PayPal, credit cards, as they wish,” said Jennifer Hepler, office supervisor, said. She said that as an early adopter of the program, they will not be charged for it.

The authority voted 4-0 to approve it.

MABS is also planning to afforest part of its land in order to raise funds to replace its trucks.

“Our trucks are starting to make us nickel,” Hepler said.

She said the Mahanoy Township Authority was collecting $ 300,000 by afforestation of part of its land.

Board member John Szczyglak said it was a good idea and suggested working with member Leo Pietkiewicz, who did similar work for a hunting club of which both are members.

Lawyer Joe Nahas agreed and also suggested selling his water to other entities beyond his distribution network.

In other cases, the authority praised Randi Wood, the daughter of member Gary Wood, who won District XI gold in track and field.

Plant operator Dan Salvadore said upgrades to the plant are continuing.

Foreman Bill Moyer said “Everything is fine with the distribution department” and stated that they are up to date on mowing the grass and their new employee is working well.

Hepler said the authority is currently under budget of $ 52,000 so far this year.