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Budget cuts discussed by Clearfield Commissioners
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
By Wendy Lynn Brion Staff Writer
The Clearfield County Commissioners discussed various budget cuts during yesterday's meeting.
First was Margie Rosselli who spoke with the commissioners concerning the Victims of Crime Act grant funding. She said she has finally been able to create a budget reflecting the cuts from the federal government of $3,407 without a deficit. She said the budget will now include cutting a therapist, on-call services and a part-time advocate. The part-time position will be funded through another source.
Commissioner Mark McCracken noted that the grant for VOCA services is a sizable one, but the cut of 9 percent still hurt. Commissioner Joan Robinson McMillen added that it is imperative to remain within the grant amount and to not create a deficit, which Rosselli said she will watch as the year progresses. The commissioners then approved the modifications presented.
Next was the budget cut for Human Services Development Fund, which has regularly received cuts over recent years. Last year's funding was $86,188 and this year's funding reflects a 10 percent cut resulting in $77,568. The HSDF funding is used to help people who generally fall through the cracks in human services and is administered by Central Pennsylvania Community Action Inc.
According to Stacy Locastro, the CHORE project, which helps people with minor home repairs, was removed from the budget, allowing them to allocate the money. Some of the programs which receive funding through HSDF include adult services of homemaker, delivered meals (not Meals on Wheels, which is a program through Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging), children and youth counseling and intervention, vocational rehabilitation and more.
The commissioners also heard from Mary Adkinson of DuBois concerning the proposed waste disposal injection well. She reminded the commissioners of a meeting between community members and the federal Environmental Protection Agency on July 23 from 2-4 p.m. at the Brady Township Community Building. The EPA wants to hold the meeting to hear from citizens and explain the permitting process and where EPA has jurisdiction, etc.
She thanked the commissioners for the support of House Bill 2350 concerning injection wells and noted one of the many concerns about the well is the proximity to residential water supplies.
She said the other five wells in the state are in remote locations.
She quoted an article concerning injection wells which stated they often have violations and leakage.
The commissioners also introduced Shae Bishop who is proposing an Eagle Scout project for the county. His proposal is to erect a flagpole in front of the administrative offices, including some landscaping with shrubbery and mulch. Commissioner John Sobel said if the project goes through it will save the taxpayers money. Bishop is raising money for his project through the sale of Marianna's Hoagies and forms are available through the county offices or by contacting Bishop.
In other business:
• the commissioners approved the following personnel changes: resignation of Deanna Graham, part-time casework supervisor, children and youth services, effective July 3; hiring Jacob Rhymestine, part-time security guard/sheriff, effective June 13; hiring Angela Moore as a part time temporary department clerk II for the Prothonotary office, effective June 13; Shannon Walborn, caseworker for CYS, effective June 18; hiring Samantha Beck, secretary II, domestic relations, effective July 5; hiring Julie White, Donna Matsko, Diana Hugney and Margaret Miller as part time temporary Doe License Clerk/Treasurers effective July 9. Also, Curtis Irwin completed probation as assistant public defender effective June 26.
• the commissioners approved an agreement between the county and the City of DuBois Redevelopment Authority for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which allows the city to either refurbish or tear down blighted properties.
• Lisa Kovalick was appointed to the county Housing Authority. She will fill the term of Earl Neamy, who died in May. The term expires Dec. 31, 2016.
• the service agreement between Children's Aid Society and Wesley Spectrum Services was approved.
• liquid fuel allocations were also approved for Bell Township, $4,909.72; Bigler Township, $3,929.23 and Boggs Township, $4,682.56.
The salary board also met but there were no agenda items. After the commissioners meeting an executive session concerning real estate was held but no action was taken.
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