HOLLIDAYSBURG - Blair County commissioners will set aside time Thursday to hear recommendations from Valley View Home employees for a proposal describing conditions to be addressed in a possible sale of the facility.
The commissioners, who on Tuesday discussed some possible conditions for the proposed sale of the nursing facility, agreed to continue their discussion Thursday by reconvening their weekly meeting at 10 a.m. at the Blair County Courthouse.
"We said we were going to hear from the employees, before making any decisions," Commissioner Ted Beam Jr. said.
Service Employees International Union representatives who were at Tuesday's meeting indicated that they will arrange for three people to address the commissioners.
In Tuesday's discussions, commissioners discussed options concerning future employment for the county employees if the home is sold.
Commissioner Chairman Terry Tomassetti said that Marcus & Millichap, the Chicago real estate investment firm the county has hired to market Valley View, indicates that it's not unusual for a prospective buyer to recognize existing labor unions.
The county could also ask prospective buyers to describe their experience with labor unions, Tomassetti said. That kind of history should provide the county with some ideas as to what they've negotiated with other unions, solicitor Nathan Karn said.
Commissioners also talked about designating Valley View as the base parcel to be sold. In addition, the county could ask prospective buyers to bid on the 7 acres now used as a soccer field and to provide some ideas as to future use.
The grounds around the home provide an opportunity for expansion, not only in care, but also in employment, Tomassetti said.
Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 946-7456
