By Michael Jones, Staff writer

mjones@observer-reporter.com

Hanover Township has tentatively agreed to a contract with the P-G Pavilion that will increase the annual donation to the municipality by 15 percent.

The supervisors during a special meeting Thursday afternoon approved the one-year contract, which raises the concert venue's donation from $200,000 to $230,000 and also bolsters money given for police equipment and patrols during events. Minor details must be finalized, and the township solicitor will review the agreement before it becomes official.

It is believed to be the largest donation from the pavilion to Hanover Township since the venue opened nearly two decades ago.

"I think we're pretty happy here, fellas," board Chairman Donald Winkler said after announcing the contract.

The financial terms of the contract are somewhat surprising because P-G Pavilion General Manager Mike Gentille told the board in January that the venue could muster only a $170,000 contribution due to a slowdown in concert activity. Asked how the supervisors brought the figure up, Winkler said, "Good negotiating." Supervisor David Duerr added the supervisors were steadfast on key financial issues.

In addition to the donation, Pavilion officials agreed to pay $2,500 for police training and increase part-time police officers' wages, funds for police equipment and money for insurance. The contract will implement tougher penalties if the payments are not delivered on time.

"I wouldn't say (the pavilion) gave us everything, but they did a nice job this year," Winkler said.

Gentille could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Supervisor Nancy Voelker expressed some concern that the board agreed to the contract just one week before the first concert. Since this contract expires in October, Winkler said that should give the supervisors more time to renegotiate it and plan how it will impact next year's budget.

The supervisors, however, admitted the negotiations once again could be lengthy and may not be finished until just before next year's concert season. Winkler said many of the previous contracts were not completed until May.

Gentille faced criticism from Burgettstown Area School Board after he told them last month their yearly donation would be dropping to $50,000. The donation to the school district was $100,000 when the pavilion opened and has steadily decreased since then.

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