Allegheny Valley North Council of Governments moving to Tarentum

The Allegheny Valley North Council of Governments will move its offices to Tarentum after more than three decades in Harmar.

The 11-member municipal group will be housed in the Murphy Building on Corbet Street.

“There’s more space for conducting business, and it’s easily accessible for every member community,” said Rhoda Worf, Verona councilwoman.

Councils of government are composed of municipal members that pay dues in return for reaping rewards of creating contracts for shared services and other cost-saving initiatives.

The Allegheny Valley North Council of Governments — AVNCOG — includes Brackenridge, Cheswick, East Deer, Frazer, Harmar, Harrison, Oakmont, Springdale, Springdale Township, Tarentum and Verona.

Longtime East Deer Commissioner Tony Taliani said the COG has been operating from U-PARC in Harmar since its inception more than 30 years ago. The group has an office at 185 William Pitt Way.

“Basically, there was an increase in pricing, and we compared the space to what we could find in other areas,” Taliani said.

“We found the place in Tarentum and felt it was more room and will save us money over the years.”

COG members meet the fourth Wednesday of each month. Newly hired Executive Director Robert Frank will work from the Murphy Building daily.

Taliani said last-minute work is finishing, and the move is expected to take place in early July.

Tarentum Councilwoman Carrie Fox said the move will modernize the office. In addition to the new space, a top priority for the COG is building a website.

“The space in Tarentum is a fantastic option,” Fox said.

“The office is on the first floor and will be convenient for all who visit.”