MIFFLINTOWN - The Juniata County Commissioners are working with Juniata County Child Care and Development to develop a permanent solution to a recent funding block that nearly closed the child care centers.

While the county temporarily is issuing monthly grant subsidies to keep the centers afloat, the commissioners are tasked with choosing a long-term solution.

Gabby Fisher, director of Sonbeam Early Learning Center in McAlisterville, ask commissioners Tuesday for an update on the funding situation for the JCCCD.

Commissioner Chairman Jeffrey Zimmerman said the board met last week to review information and make contacts with the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare and others. Because of the holiday and deer season, Zimmerman said it has been difficult to set up meetings.

While Zimmerman said the board has agreed to explore one of the three options proposed by DPW, he would not say what that option is.

"Have you made a decision for the county to manage (JCCCD) or an independent vendor?" Fisher asked.

"I don't think it is appropriate to answer that," Zimmerman said, noting that a final decision has not been made. "We are working as diligently as possible."

Fisher asked if the commissioners will have a decision in place before DPW's planned takeover in mid-December.

"DPW indicated that they are interested in a solution," Zimmerman replied, adding that the department agreed to wait to take action while the commissioners explore their options.

Fisher also asked the commissioners when they expect to release the grant check for November. The centers have received their subsidies for September and October, she said.

Zimmerman replied that the money will be distributed as soon as Child Care Information Services provides the county with the information used to calculate the monthly subsidy.

"The checks will be processed in a timely manner," Zimmerman said.

When asked how long it usually took for the child care centers to receive their subsidies, Fisher replied that they typically received the payment within a week of the new month.

This fall, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry blocked the release of grant funding that is used for, among other things, to subsidize child care services for low-income families in Juniata County.

State Rep. Adam Harris, R-Mifflintown, previously said the funds have been blocked because of an unemployment compensation dispute with the state Department of Labor and Industry, which arose out of the 2005 court case against the former JCCCD executive director and the mismanagement of grant funds.

Also during the meeting, Jamie Shrawder from SEDA-Council of Governments proposed budget revisions to the county's community development block grant funds for 2008-2009.

The county still needs approximately $560,000 to complete the Walnut sewer project, Shrawder said, adding that the engineer is working to lower the $1.4 million project cost estimate.

She suggested that funding left over from two finished projects - housing rehabilitation sewer laterals in Milford Township and a sewer line on Third Street in Mifflintown - could be transferred to the Walnut project.

The commissioners approved the transfer of the leftover funds totaling $158,986.69 to the Walnut project fund.

Shrawder said SEDA-COG also is working on a H2O grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development that, if approved, also could be used for the Walnut project.

Commissioner Teresa O'Neal also asked Shrawder for an update on the residential survey to determine eligibility for CDBG funds to build an emergency tower in Lack Township.

Shrawder replied that she has not received an update, but a few surveys still need to be completed. Based on those already received, she said the project likely will qualify for the grant funds.

The county also has received four requests for CDBG funds in 2010, Shrawder added.

Also during the meeting, the commissioners ratified a contract with Election Systems & Software for the Pennsylvania Superior Court election recount at a cost of $5,967.15.

The county will receive a $50-per precinct reimbursement from the state, Zimmerman said.

"The recount went very well," Zimmerman said. "... the recount was virtually dead-on with the original results. It's reassuring to know how accurate our machines counted the votes."

In other business, the commissioners:

Approved Solicitor Andrew Winder to request bids for the 2010 tax anticipation note in the amount of $2 million.

O'Neal asked if the county needs the loan this year because of the amount of reserve that the county is holding. The county typically takes out a loan to keep cash flow until taxes are collected.

Zimmerman said it will be worthwhile to discuss the issue with an accountant. Meanwhile, the county still can request bids; they have no obligation to accept them, he said.

Commissioner Dale Shelley added that sometimes the county benefits from the loan, receiving more money in interest than it has to pay.

Announced a meeting scheduled with the courthouse renovation project contractor and architects for next Tuesday.

No updates have been reported since the commissioners' last construction meeting two weeks ago, Zimmerman said. They anticipate that most of the inside work will have been completed by next week, he said.

Approved no cost of living adjustment for current retirees.

Approved the following grant agreements through the Mifflin/Juniata Human Services: $4,287 for grant administration, $9,902 for Shelter Services Inc. to provide case management for approximately 15 individuals, $7,900 to Shelter Services Inc. to provide emergency mass shelter for approximately 28 individuals, $5,700 to the Tuscarora Intermediate Unit for literacy programs for approximately 10 individuals and $15,076 to the TIU to assist in the self-sufficiency case management program for 50 individuals.

Reappointed Irma Weimer to serve on the Juniata Valley Tri-County Mental Health/Mental Retardation Citizen Advisory Board from Dec. 1 through Nov. 20, 2012.

The Juniata County Commissioners meet at 10 a.m. Tuesdays in the Bousum Building, Main Street, Mifflintown.