Times Observer photo by Heather Cathcart-Norris Pictured are Commissioners Dan Glotz and Ken Klakamp reviewing bids from community banks.

Warren County Commissioners this week stated the burn ban would stay in effect despite the precipitation the county has received.

“It was recommended by the State Forest Service and the Allegheny National Forest that we institute this ban, and it will be effective until December 4, and we will reevaluate,” said Commissioner Dan Glotz.

Commissioner Tricia Durbin stated, “We will continue to monitor based on precipitation if it can be lifted sooner, but the recommendation is through that period of time.”

DCNR stated that if they recommend lifting the burn ban, they will notify the commissioners in writing but expect it to be effective through at least Dec. 4.

Commissioner Ken Klakamp stated the commissioners received six bids for the tax anticipation note. Banks that sent bids include First National Bank, Key Bank, Erie Bank, PNC Bank, Northwest Bank, and M&T Bank. Bids ranged from 4.49% variable to 5.92% fixed rate.

“Thank you to all the bankers who participated in the bids. It was a lot of hard work that went into providing those bids to the county, and we are going to take careful consideration for the best for the county,” said Pam Matve, chief county clerk.

Matve told the commissioners the 2025 budget should be set by the end of November, “we are wrapping things up.”

Klakamp clarified they had only received one bid for the loan last year.

Matve said, “This is a huge improvement, a rallying of our community. It is a lot of hard work and preparation for the bankers, so we are honored to have so many bids.”