Upper Yoder supervisors approve AFSCME wage increases, pass general and other fund payments

At its July 6 meeting the Upper Yoder Township Board of Supervisors approved routine financial disbursements and ratified a memorandum of understanding with AFSCME covering non‑uniform workers through Dec. 31, 2026.

Board members voted to approve general fund payments totaling $79,939.61 and other fund expenditures totaling $31,279.77.

The board also approved the AFSCME memorandum that sets new starting wages as follows: $20.50 per hour for non‑CDL laborers; $22.50 per hour for road workers with a CDL; $26.00 per hour for mechanics with required certifications; and $20.75 per hour for clerical staff. The wage changes take effect at the start of the next pay period (the transcript records "Sunday" as the start).

Other business included a decision not to vacate the Old Orchard Alley right‑of‑way due to existing sewer lines and utilities, a referral to the Cambria County redevelopment authority/land bank to expedite demolition of 211 Columbia (estimate $5,621.50), and conditional approval for the Upper Yoder Authority land development plan for 670 Goucher pending planning commission review and bid openings in mid‑July.

Why it matters: wage approvals affect township payroll costs and staffing; approvals of funds are the monthly stewardship step the board must take to pay contractors and staff; land‑use and demolition decisions affect property safety and redevelopment prospects.

What’s next: supervisors plan interviews for more than 100 job applicants in early August; follow‑up on the 211 Columbia referral and a data‑center conditional‑use review are expected at future meetings.