D
auphin County commissioners voted to pull out of a $10.4 million real estate deal, forcing the county to forfeit its $400,000 deposit and avoid a potential $300,000 penalty for missing the closing date.

    The property on Tecport Drive in Swatara Township was intended as the new human services building, but Commissioner George Hartwick's handling of the project raised concerns among his colleagues. Commissioner Justin Douglas accused Hartwick of mismanaging the deal, citing a lack of progress and missed deadlines.

    "We've lost $400,000 in taxpayer funds due to a complete lack of follow-through," Douglas said. "We haven't secured key personnel or signed contracts, despite being 147 days into the project."

    Hartwick defended his work on the project, saying he had focused on reducing costs and that eating the $400,000 deposit was unnecessary. However, his fellow Democrat Commissioner Justin Douglas has called for him to resign following a DUI arrest in April.

    The county's decision to back out of the deal comes as Hartwick faces scrutiny over his handling of county business while under fire for his personal conduct.