MIFFLINTOWN - The Juniata County Commissioners did not vote about the future of the county prison during a meeting Tuesday. Commissioner Teresa O'Neal said the board continues intensive review on the issue and has no intention of taking a vote next week.
In a public comment period, Dan Smith presented the board with a review on the current property tax assessments in Juniata County. He said the current assessment scheme is based on 1974 monetary figures, although the real estate landscape of the county has changed significantly in the last 38 years.
"The 1974 to 2012 transition creates considerable inequity in taxation rates," he said. "It also limits the ability of local government to raise revenue."
During the meeting, commissioners proclaimed June 18 to 24 as Amateur Radio Week in Juniata County in recognition of Ham Radio Operators Day on Saturday.
"The commonwealth recognizes what amateur radio does for public assistance," Commissioner Jeffrey Zimmerman said, thanking operators for their service to the community.
The board also recognized the volunteer efforts of the Juniata County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees. Representatives Joyce Kline and Carolyn Baker attended to present the board with a faux check for $365,207. The amount is a monetary representation of the value of their volunteer hours and service to the community throughout the year.
After recognizing both groups, the commissioners called a public notice meeting to order. Tim Brickley, of SEDA-Council of Governments, presented the board with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development HOME program application to continue to operate an owner-occupied housing rehabilitation program in Juniata County.
The commissioners approved a resolution which will rehabilitate the homes of eligible applicants to remove all serious code violations and eliminate major health and safety issues.
Also during the meeting, the commissioners:
Approved the purchase service agreement as recommended by Helen Henry, Director of Children and Youth Services, for: Pyramid Healthcare, Altoona; Hope for Kids Inc., State College; and Families First, Thompsontown.
Ratified check No. 1130 from the Juniata County Hazardous Material Account in the amount of $3,621.10 to New Pig Corporation for hazardous material response supplies.
Approved per capita tax exoneration requests from; Walker Township, Monroe Township, Thompsontown Borough and Milford Township.
Approved request of the Juniata Arts Committee for "Capturing Juniata" event to be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday on the lawn of the Juniata County Courthouse.
Approved Sheriff Lyter's request to hire Gloria Kepner on a temporary part-time clerical basis.
Approved the Survey of Polling Place Accessibility for the Elderly and Persons with a Disability as recommended by Eva Stong, voter registrar.
Approved checks No. 35246 through No. 35310 in the amount of $52,251.03.
In a salary board meeting following the commisioners meeting, Sheriff Lyter made a motion to establish the hourly rate for part-time clerical staff in the sheriff's department at $12.60 per hour. The motion passed.
The Juniata County Commissioners hold weekly public meetings at 10 a.m. each Tuesday in the Bousum Building, Main Street, Mifflintown.
