Address changes are to be mailed

County will conduct ‘trial run’ with residents

By MICAIAH WISE, Sentinel reporter, mwise@lewistownsentinel.com
MIFFLINTOWN — Notifications regarding new addresses will be mailed to a portion of Juniata County residents soon, Emergency Services Director Allen Weaver said during the Juniata County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday.

The first set of addresses will be released to most of the county residents on the western side of the Juniata River, Weaver said. The addresses are released by zip code, he said.

Commissioner Chairman Jeffrey Zimmerman said the county chose to release only a portion of the addresses as a trial run.

“We’re testing the waters to see what the issues will be,” Zimmerman said.

Weaver said he still was unsure of an exact release date.

Commissioner Dale Shelley also said the county preferred not to estimate a time until they establish the release date.

When the address notifications are released, the Harrisburg post office will hand deliver them to the local carriers, Weaver said.

“We’re hoping for a smooth transition,” Weaver said.

Commissioner Teresa O’Neal said the county will work with problems and issues that may arise from the project.

Information through the telephone number established for problems and questions will not be provided until after the notifications are sent, Weaver said. The number will be included in the letter, he said.

O’Neal reminded residents that their old addresses will remain valid for one year.

The commissioners also approved Ronda Haldeman for the position of Domestic Relations Administrative Officer at a salary of $12 per hour beginning Monday.

O’Neal said Haldeman fills an existing position with additional duties. The position has been vacant since January, Zimmerman added.

In other business, Shelley provided information about the county’s medical cost saving efforts through Cost Management.

The program reviews the county’s bills to make sure it has not been double billed or overcharged, O’Neal said.

The county has used the program for three years, said Shelley, who serves on the project board.

In the past three years, the program saved the county $71,274, Shelley said. The savings does factor into the cost of the program, he added.

To put it in perspective, the county spent $114,510 for medical costs in 2007, he said.

The commissioners also:

= Approved an application for county aid submitted by Walker Township for repaving in the amount of $4,916.02.

= Approved the Comprehensive Plan contract extension to June 30, 2009.

Zimmerman said there is no increase in the costs involved with the contract, which is through a state grant. The contract would have expired on June 30, 2008, he said.

The commissioners merely are extending the time limit to use the money, O’Neal said.

= Approved a performance evaluation for Penni Abram submitted by Children and Youth.

= Approved the State of Official Absentee Ballots submitted by Voter Registrar Eva Stong.

The commissioners next meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. May 20 at the Bousum Building, in Mifflintown.