MIFFLINTOWN - Juniata County Commissioners approved a tentative 2010 budget with no tax increases during their weekly public meeting Tuesday in Mifflintown.
However, the way current numbers look, the county could face a deficit of $589,173.74. Expenditures are projected at $7,925,184.74, while revenues are expected to be $7,336,011.
The public may view the tentative budget for 20 days prior to final approval in December.
Commissioner Dale Shelley thanked the county department heads for providing realistic budget estimates that allowed the commissioners to develop a budget with no tax increase.
"We have some great people in Juniata County," Shelley said. "It's a pleasure to work with them."
However, Commissioner Teresa O'Neal said she was not pleased with the numbers.
"I am very concerned that we are looking at deficit spending," O'Neal said. "I don't feel the board has been fiscally responsible."
The commissioners do not discuss the budget until they begin preparing for the new year, O'Neal said, a point that she has advocated to change on several occasions.
"I cannot support this (budget)," O'Neal said. She cast the only dissenting vote.
Zimmerman said the county does have the allocation numbers from the state budget, and the funds were included in the budget.
The commissioners also approved the following change orders to the courthouse renovations: No. 2 for metal trim and filler materials, caulking materials to cornice dental blocks at a cost of $9,846; No. 5 for Azek beaded board ceiling material, ceiling and trim at a cost of $4,025; No. 8 for circle window modifications, fabricate sill replacement field installation at a cost of $3,292; No. 9 for removal and disposal of existing bird deterrent, new bird-x materials and installation at a cost of $7,722; and No. 12 for column joint caulking at a cost of $346.
O'Neal noted that change order No. 1 was withdrawn by the general contractor.
These change orders were items that the contractor said they would not know until they began work on the building, Zimmerman said.
They do not affect the scope of the project, therefore the county will not incur additional costs from architects Crabtree, Rohrbaugh and Associates, O'Neal added.
In other business, Human Services Director Allison Fisher said the energy bank is open for the cold weather season.
The agency prioritizes warm shelter services for the elderly and families with children under age 14, Fisher said. She thanked Centre Lutheran Church and the senior centers in Juniata County for providing warm shelter spaces for needy individuals and families.
Out of the energy bank grew the Coalition of HOPES, a partnership between Juniata and Mifflin county human services, United Way of Mifflin-Juniata, PA CareerLink Mifflin County and assistance offices, Fisher said.
Together, the coalition agencies have developed a list of grants that are available to assist community needs, Fisher said. The coalition benefits struggling community members because they do not have to travel to different agencies to find help, she said.
It also prevents "double dipping," Fisher said of people who take advantage of agencies' assistance.
She also encouraged the community to sign up for the National Association of Counties prescription drug discount program, which works like a coupon.
The program does not ask for private information from its users, Fisher said.
On average, users save 20 percent per prescription, she said. Cards are available at most pharmacies and in the commissioners' and human service offices, she said.
Also during the meeting, Zimmerman said the county is preparing for the statewide recount of the Pennsylvania Superior Court election. The results will be posted publicly, he said.
The state will refund the county $50 per precinct for the recount, but commissioners said that amount will not cover the costs of the process - an additional cost that all counties across Pennsylvania are facing.
The commissioners also:
Acknowledged District Attorney John Mort's appointment of Cory Snook to the assistant district attorney position. The position has been vacant since July when Mort was appointed to the district attorney position.
Approved Karen Reichenbach to fill a vacant, part-time position in the register and recorder's office. Her salary will be determined by contract.
Approved applications for county aid submitted by Mifflin Borough to encumber $1,717.98, and Fayette Township for $7,098.43 to pave and complete related work on T-452 and T-533.
Reappointed Richard Hackenberger, public director, and Jay Finkbiner, farmer director, to four-year terms on the Juniata County Conservation District board. Their terms will commence on Jan. 1, 2010, and end on Dec. 31, 2013.
Appointed Shelley to represent the commissioners at the conservation district board for a one-year term.
Approved the resignation of Tara Snyder as victims witness coordinator.
