With a county budget passed, setting the tax rate for the county on Wednesday was merely a formality.

"Since we were able to put forth a budget with no increase, in fact a decrease in spending" the tax rate remained the same as last year, Commissioner Chairman John Eggleston said.

The rate for the general fund is 17.25 mills and the debt reduction rate remains 1.5 mills.

Included in the expenditures for this year is the first demolition of a blighted property by Warren County.

The commissioners voted unanimously in favor of awarding a bid for demolition of the house at 21 Kinnear St., Tidioute, to Keith White Excavating for $13,840.

Because of the location and situation of the house, the bid came in a little higher than a typical demolition, according to Commissioner Terry Hawk, who noted, "It's in a very awkward location."

The structure is close to and leaning toward a neighboring home.

"This is the first property that the blighted committee is focusing its efforts on," Commissioner John Bortz said.

The owners of other properties that were on the county Redevelopment Authority and Blighted Property Committee lists have taken steps to bring those properties up to legal standards, Eggleston said.

Bortz said county officials are hopeful that the committee and authority will help in "cleaning up our communities."

The commissioners have fielded questions about speeding up the process of cleaning up blight.

Bortz said the groups are moving at a "good pace. It takes a while to get things together."

The commissioners will apply for a grant of $15,000 that would "standardize and modernize the license to carry (firearms) process," Eggleston said.

Under the current system, paper permits are issued by hand, filed by hand and a paper copy is sent to Harrisburg, he said.

The grant would allow the county to update the process and include hardware upgrades, including computers and digital cameras.

Another case of streamlining paperwork should allow Children and Youth Services caseworkers to spend more time on cases and less on bookkeeping.

The commissioners approved a contract between Children and Youth and Avanco for a web-based data system that will give caseworkers "an opportunity to be a little more efficient," Hawk said.

Eggleston read a resolution pledging to work cooperatively with local fire departments to "see how we could help them not only survive, but flourish." That measure was approved unanimously by the commissioners.

"It's no secret (departments) are struggling financially and to get new members," he said.