Juniata Co. officials welcome guest speaker

Veterans Affairs director discusses US flag retirement box with commissioners

MIFFLINTOWN – Holding their first meeting of February the Juniata County Commissioners welcomed Dennis Hutchings, director of Juniata County Veterans Affairs, who gave a presentation on the official United States flag retirement box the organization has available. The box was provided through a partnership between National Association of Counties and the Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. "They made up a box that we can keep in the office here at the Veterans Affairs office." Hutchings said, "Inside the first door that is open to the public, you can drop off your flag and then in turn we'll get them to the right place to get them burned."

Commissioner Alice Gray said of the new box that "You want to treat your flag with respect even though it's worn out and this is a wonderful way to do it correctly." Anyone wishing to dispose an old flag can now do so at the Juniata County Veterans Affairs office located in the Bousum Building at 26 North Main St. in Mifflintown. Any questions about the U.S. Flag retirement box or any questions dealing with veteran affairs can call (717) 436-7728.

Also during the meeting the commissioners approved a request from the local Juniata County tax collectors to increase the per slip compensation for real estate tax bills by 3% annually. This increase is for a four year period beginning in 2022.

Other action taken during the meeting was :

¯ Approved the tax exonerations for Turbett and Walker Townships as per the material provided.

¯ Approved the "Purchase of Service Agreement" between Juniata County Children and Youth Services, the Juniata County Probation Department, and the Summit Academy. The agreement shall be in force and effect from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. 5.

¯ Approved the following "Purchase of Service Agreements" as submitted by the Children & Youth Fiscal department. The terms for the agreements are July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021., Justice Works YouthCare - Placement Transition Program services as cost of $80.00 per hour in addition to Visit Coaching Program services at a cost of $75.00 per hour., Miffin-Juniata Human Services - Implementation of the Juniata County Communities that Care Grant through the Juniata County Violence Prevention Board at a cost not to exceed $56,083.48.

¯ Reviewed the following December 2021 departmental reports: "Assessment Reports" as submitted by the Juniata County Assessment Office.

¯ Ratified payment of checks #60392 – #60436 in the amount of $172,732.80.

¯ Approved payment of checks #60437 – #60490 in the amount of $83,252.62.