City Of Reading Hires Montgomery County Firm For Payroll

At Mayor Vaughn D. Spencer’s request, City Council on Monday awarded data processing giant ADP a $214,100 contract to take over the city’s payroll operations.

The move will get rid of an error-prone, in-house system for which the IRS has fined the city more than $100,000.

“We’re not payroll experts; we’re getting out of the business,” said Christopher Zale, acting director of administrative services.

The IRS fines – $50,400 each for tax years 2007 and 2008 because the city’s W-2 forms weren’t compatible with IRS computers, and weren’t re-filed properly until months after the deadline – were levied in 2010.

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New Reading City Schools Chief Says She’ll Listen First

Dr. Carlinda Purcell has a plan for the Reading School District – even if it’s not that obvious right off the bat.

The Reading School Board on Monday formally introduced Purcell as the district’s newest superintendent, gathering the media and a handful of local officials for a press conference at the district administration building.

Introducing Purcell, school board President Yvonne L. Stroman said it has been a long journey trying to find a new leader for the district, but the wait was well worth it.

“There is no doubt of her leadership, of her wealth of knowledge she brings to our district,” Stroman said.

Read more: http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=378808

French Creek State Park Brush Fire Contained

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Berks County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A huge brush fire that began Monday in southeastern Berks County and forced the evacuation of homes near French Creek State Park has been contained but is still burning, emergency officials said today.

About 450 acres burned and no structures were affected by the fire, according to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Firefighters will continue to look for hot spots throughout the day.

A DCNR spokesperson said helicopters and airplanes are being used to help douse the flames, and that it will take a couple of days to confirm that the fire is out.

Firefighters from several Berks and northern Chester County companies battled wind-whipped flames well into Monday night. The fire was first reported about noon near Route 345 and Hopewell Street in Union Township, just south of Birdsboro.

Read more: http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=378727

Brush Fire Rages At French Creek State Park

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Berks County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Firefighters from several Berks and northern Chester County companies battled wind-whipped flames well into the night. The fire was first reported about noon near Route 345 and Hopewell Street in Union Township, just south of Birdsboro.

Exhausted crews had to leave to get some rest knowing that it will take at least one more day to put out all of the flames, which have spread into North Coventry Township in Chester, a county communications center supervisor said.

Residents were evacuated from homes in the area. The American Red Cross, Berks County Chapter, and the Berks County Department of Emergency Services set up a shelter at the Immaculate Conception Church social hall in Union Township. Food and beverages were available at the shelter, and the Berks sheriff’s department was providing security.

Read more: http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=378727