With at least one school board member questioning why the commissioners are working on the KOZ projects, Finn said the commissioners are charged with economic development.

Just as the school district asked for help in reducing its truancy problem, Finn said the commissioners are asking to allow a KOZ in the school district.

"Competition is so fierce right now with the market the way it is," Finn said. "We need to give every business every opportunity we can."

Pols back KOZ efforts

Commissioners also support the KOZ proposed by Cherokee Pharmaceuticals in Riverside, Finn said.

"Those types of jobs that are created will spill over to Montour County. There's less than a mile between us," he said of the Cherokee location in Northumberland County.

Cherokee officials have offered to pay Northumberland County $811,000 between 2009 and 2018 as part of a financial support agreement for a KOZ designation. This is for 178 acres for development and not related to Cherokee's current expansion, public affairs manager Betse Humphrey said Thursday.

She would not disclose offers to be made to Riverside borough and the school district, saying they would be announced later.

Cherokee's KOZ designation would require an ordinance by Northumberland County, and a financial support agreement with Riverside Borough and the Danville school district, she said.

"We are making sure we support the community and want to make this a win-win for everyone," she said.

Riverside's tax collector could not be reached for comment Thursday.

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