HOLLIDAYSBURG — Blair County is hiring a contractor for masonry tasks in front of the courthouse.

Commissioners on Thursday approved Smith Masonry, Hollidaysburg, at $13,439, for the work that is expected to address cracks, missing mortar and openings around the steps, lights and on the handicapped ramp. The job is also expected to remove spray foam the county used as a temporary measure to prohibit further damage.

Director of Public Works Nick Burket told commissioners that the department now uses a different type of ice melt to avoid this kind of damage. The repair work is also expected to involve use of a protective sealant