MIFFLINTOWN - The Juniata County Commissioners approved the adoption of the final budget for fiscal year 2013 and set the real estate millage rate Tuesday at a regular weekly board meeting held at the Bousum Building in Mifflintown.
The commissioners approved a final budget in the amount of $9,331,643.51. The millage rate will remain at 22.75 mills, said Commissioner Jeffrey Zimmerman.
Also during the meeting, Commissioner Teresa O'Neal said the county received a new stock of National Association of Counties Prescription Drug Discount Cards. The free prescription cards are available to all county residents and provide discounts on prescription medications and dental fees. Cards are available in English and Spanish, she said.
Prompted by public comment, O'Neal also delivered a brief update on finances since the closing of the Juniata County Prison in July.
"I would hope that after the first of the year, we'll be able to put some numbers on the table," regarding final spending and savings, she said.
During the meeting, the commissioners:
Approved tax exonerations for Mifflintown Borough, Monroe Township
and Walker Township,
as presented.
Approved requests for Liquid Fuel Funds for Port Royal Borough in the amount of $2,167.97. Zimmerman said the money will be used for the purchase of safety equipment and bulk salt.
Approved the Report of Personnel Transactions for Non-State Employees for Erin J. Pray, as submitted by Helen Henry, Children and Youth Director.
Approved the Purchase of Service Agreements between Juniata County Domestic Relations and Martha S. Bowersox for translation services at an hourly rate of $40, as submitted by Melissa Pallotto, domestic relations director. The terms for the agreements are Jan. 1, 2012, through Dec. 31, 2012, and Jan. 1, 2013, through Dec. 31, 2013.
Approved the Certificate of Cost Allocation Plan as submitted by Maximus.
Approved a two-year lease agreement between Juniata County and Friendship Fire Company, of Port Royal, at an annual cost of $8,190, effective Jan. 1, 2013 through Dec. 31, 2014. Zimmerman said the lease provides office space for Jacqueline Leister, magisterial district judge.
Approved checks Nos. 36,488 to 36,536 in the amount of $52,756.65.
Approved authorization for the treasurer's office to process and pay invoices through Dec. 31.
Reviewed the November 2012 Summary of Collections Report - Fines
and Costs, as submitted
by Leister.
Reviewed the Juniata County Adult and Juvenile Probation Department November 2012 monthly report, as prepared by Michelle Beaver, chief probation officer.
The commissioners tabled a motion to approve the MEI security grant contract. Commissioner Robert Reynolds said the documents were received late Monday afternoon and he was not ready to recommend approval.
After the regular board meeting adjourned, Zimmerman called a meeting of the retirement board to order.
During the meeting, the board approved the 2012 Annual Required Contribution to the Juniata County Retirement Fund in the amount of $396,067.
The board also discussed approving a fiscal year 2013 cost-of-living increase for retirement fund members who retired in 2011 and prior years. Zimmerman said the board is required to discuss the increase at least once every three years, but is not required to approve an increase.
A fiscal year 2013 interest rate of 5 percent for the Employee's Retirement Fund account was recommended, but not approved. Zimmerman said the interest rate must be established annually by Jan. 31.
Jim Bahorik, chief clerk, said the interest rate is the amount that each retirement account earns each year. The rate must increase by 4 to 5.5 percent annually, he said.
The board tabled approval to gather more information.
