HONESDALE, PA — The Wayne County Commissioners on December 23 got word on the interest rates for this year’s tax anticipation note, and they said the word was very good.

As they did in 2104, the commissioners will be seeking $2 million to cover expenses between the billing of new property taxes and the receipt of substantial payments.

Three of five local banks contacted had bid, and there was audible surprise in the room after they were read, as all three bid less than one percent.

As was the case last year, Honesdale National Bank was the apparent low-bidder this time at .83%, some .10% lower than its winning bid last year.

The winning bid will be awarded following a review by the county solicitor.

Recalling home purchase contracts he had done in past with mortgages as high as 18%, Commissioner Wendell Kay was surprised. “These bids are the lowest I can remember.”

Another measure of the current economy came with the commissioners’ approval of a new, lower mileage rate for county employees’ use of private vehicles on county business. Based on declining fuel costs, last year’s 51-cent per mile rate was reduced to 45 cents per mile, as of January 5.

The commissioners also gave final authorization for the filing of Community Block Development Grants applications. The grants are available to low- and moderate-income municipalities and counties. Program Director Jackie DeYoung sought authorization for applications totaling $410,551.

Less administration costs, $336,652 will provide funding for nine projects.

Other than the county, only two eligible municipalities, Honesdale Borough and Salem Township, applied.

Applications filed under the auspices of Wayne County included $18,000 for Waymart Borough to install Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant playground equipment, $35,000 for Canaan Township to pave 2,000 feet of Little Keen Road, $40,500 for Hawley Borough to pave Maple Avenue, $5,000 for Damascus Township’s energy-efficiency improvements, $44,741 for Dyberry Township’s paving of Erk Road, $18,000 for the Beach Lake Municipal Authority purchase of a crawler camera for pipe inspections, and $36,342 for Clinton Township’s paving of Burns Road.

Honesdale Borough filed for $70,216 for street/road paving of Wood Street, Commercial Street, Old Willow Avenue; and installation of guiderails on Cottage Street.

Salem Township filed for $68,853 for the paving of Parry Road.