HARRISVILLE — Lose a neighbor, gain a neighbor.

Mercer County State Bank, which has offices in 11 locations, including one in Grove City, is working toward adding a location in Downtown Harrisville, according to the bank's COO and President Scott Patton.

“We are waiting until we have final approval, which we don't anticipate anything stopping that approval,” Patton said. “We're excited about it.”

The expansion comes in the wake of the coming departure of First National Bank, 124 S. Main St. FNB will not reopen after close of business Friday.

Patton said he thinks the MCSB's service mirrors the values desired by residents of a small town like Harrisville. He said the company had explored adding a Harrisville location in the past, but the timing was never right.

“We are a community bank. We are a smaller organization, but we have the ability to service any customer the same that a big bank can do,” Patton said. “It was a natural fit. Harrisville just wasn't big enough to support two banks.”

He said the company is still working toward making arrangements for the expansion, and he doesn't anticipate using FNB's current location.

“We are moving forward with (the expansion,) and we anticipate being in Harrisville by the end of the year,” Patton said. “If things go the way we want them to, we'll be building a new location.”

Harrisville Mayor Gary Hughes said the excitement is mutual for the borough officials and its residents.

“(Mercer County State Bank) got right on it, and it looks like they're doing their homework,” Hughes said. “They've been very accommodating.”

Hughes said many residents and business owners were disappointed with First National Bank's decision to leave. He said many businesses use the bank daily.

“A lot of these businesses are retail-oriented, and they need change every day,” Hughes said.

He said without a bank downtown, businesses will have to stockpile coins to avoid costs from traveling regularly to banks outside the borough. He said tying up money in change could cause problems for smaller businesses.

“You need that extra money for working capital.”

Hughes said some residents still don't understand the finality of Friday's closing of First National Bank, even if notice was given months ago.

“That came as somewhat of a shock, and I'm sure the 90 days has sort of crept up on people,” he said.

Hughes said he hopes residents and businesses will support MCSB, but that it would mean some converting from FNB.

“They're the ones that are leaving Harrisville,” he said. “I don't see it that citizens owe it to stay loyal to FNB.”

Patton said they plan to quickly develop a good relationship with the community because that will be what makes the opportunity work. MCSB has already pledged $3,000 to sponsor fireworks for this summer's Community Day celebration.