September named ‘Hunger Action Month’

Officials adopt resolution to expand opportunity zone at industrial park

MIFFLINTOWN -- Juniata Food Pantry executive director Glenda Fultz was present Tuesday as Juniata County Commissioners issued a proclamation declaring the month of September as Hunger Action Month. Fultz said the annual campaign, recognized by Feeding America, raises awareness and mobilizes communities to take action on the issue of hunger.

Accompanying Fultz at the meeting was Central Pennsylvania Food Bank community engagement associate Ryan Prater.

"This September we're asking all members of the community, 'What can you do to end hunger in your community?' We (Central Pa Food Bank) have three suggestions: commit, learn and speak up," Prater said. "This is learning. Bringing awareness to the issue. Knowing there are people in your community, all throughout central Pennsylvania that need help."

Beyond donating food, Prater said there are other ways people can commit to ending hunger in the area through volunteering and leadership. For example, you could commit to holding a virtual food drive on social media and collect funds to be donated.

Finally, Prater said community members can help by speaking up. "We know the real change happens by talking to our lawmakers and advocating." The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank will be holding a Virtual Town Hall at noon on Thursday, Sept. 16. The food bank will be sharing updates on their mission, lessons they have learned over the past 18 months as well as how they will continue to build resilience and be a resource for their partners on the front lines.

To register for Virtual Town Hall, visit their website at www.centralpafoodbank.org. An affiliate of Feeding America and Feeding Pennsylvania, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank distributes food to partner agencies like the Juniata Food Pantry. The food bank serves 27 counties across the state from its two healthy food hub locations in Harrisburg and Williamsport.

In conjunction with the Hunger Action Month proclamation the commissioners also approved the renewal of The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) management agreement between Juniata County and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The term of the contract is Oct. 1, 2021, through Sept. 30, 2026.

Also in attendance at the meeting was Betsy Lockwood, Economic Development department manager with SEDA Council of Governments to speak about extending the benefits of the Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone (KOEZ) or Keystone Opportunity Improvement Zone (KOIZ) in Fermanagh Township.

"Essentially the areas that are designated as Keystone Opportunity Zones have local and state taxes abated for a period of time," Lockwood explained. Lockwood said the KOEZ must receive approval from the school district, municipality and county before an extension for an existing unoccupied zone in the Juniata Business and Industry can be granted.

Once approved by all three entities SEDA-COG can move ahead with the extension application process. Businesses wishing to occupy the Keystone Opportunity zone must meet requirements and apply each year in order to receive the tax abatements.

"I know that there is one, possibly two businesses that are interested in locating at the (industrial) park," Lockwood said.

Currently there are two parcels and four lots available at the JBI Industrial Park.

The commissioners adopted the resolution to extend the term of exemptions, deductions, abatements and credits for real property, earned income tax, net profits mercantile, and business privilege taxes within the specified area in Fermanagh Township designated as a Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone. The extension of benefits begins on Jan. 1, 2022, and ends on Dec. 31, 2028.

Other actions taken during the meeting were:

¯Approved a software support agreement with Optical Storage Solutions Inc. at a cost of $13,470.00 as recommended by Alicia Seigler, Register and Recorder. The term of the contract covers Sept. 1 through Aug. 31, 2022.

¯Approved the Child Welfare Information Solution data sharing agreement between Juniata County government on behalf of Juniata County Children and Youth Services and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the period of Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, 2022, as recommended by Ashley J. Baxter, Children and Youth Services director.

¯Acknowledged the resignation of Stanley J. Ely III from his position as chief deputy in the Juniata County Sheriff's Department effective as of the end of business on Sept. 10.

¯Ratified Juniata County Hazardous Materials checks for $484 to Grainger Equipment and $39.82 to Wex Bank Fuel.

¯Approved payment of various checks in the amount of $223,269.62.

¯Tabled approval of the exoneration for Mifflintown Borough until material on the matter is provided.