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Juniata County officials OK 9-1-1 phone system update

Grant makes progress possible

MIFFLINTOWN–The phone system for the shared 9-1-1 services between Juniata and Perry counties will get an upgrade this year thanks to a 2021 grant. The Juniata County Commissioners approved the execution of the “9-1-1 Statewide Interconnectivity” grant with an awarded amount of $507,111.60.

According to Emergency Services Director Allen Weaver, the bulk of the grant will go toward improvements to the two counties shared Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) and phone systems.

“We are due for a phone upgrade this year in order to be compatible with next gen 9-1-1 lines that are coming out,” Weaver said. He also said the grant will cover smaller interconnectivity issues with sharing information between six counties tied to Juniata County.

Also during the meeting, the Commissioners approved the home housing rehab project check as submitted by Juniata County Planning and Community Development Department in the amount of $11,730.

Commissioner Alice Gray emphasised the importance of these checks because Juniata County residents receive the funds, through a collaboration with SEDA-Council of Governments, for home improvements.

Before the start of new business Tuesday, Commissioner Mark Partner said he was able to take part in the Jan. 14 public hearing held by the Legislative Reapportionment Commission in Harrisburg.

During Partner’s testimony, he expressed his concern with the proposed redrawing of the legislative districts that could potentially separate Mifflin and Juniata counties into different districts.

Partner also expressed concern about what effect a separation would mean for combined services the counties offer.

Commissiones also took the following action:

¯Approved the letters of engagement to have Boyer & Ritter CPA’s perform audit services for Juniata County covering the fiscal year ended Dec.31, 2021, and authorize the chief clerk to sign and execute the agreements: county-wide audit at a cost of $49,100, Department of Human Services (DHS) audit supplement at a cost of $5,950, and additional major programs (if required) at a cost of $1,500 per program;

¯Approved the tax exonerations for Fayette, Spruce Hill, Tuscarora, and Walker Townships and Thompsontown Borough as per the material provided;

¯Approved payment of the Juniata County Hazardous Materials check No. 1401 in the amount of $355, Witmer Public Safety Group – Meter Service;

¯Approved payment of checks No. 63491 – No. 63560 in the amount of $500,957.91; and

¯Reviewed the December 2021 departmental report “Summary of Collections Report – Fines and Costs” as submitted by Jacqueline T. Leister, Magisterial District Judge.

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