Trending
MIFFLINTOWN -- Juniata County Commissioners gave the OK for two Children and Youth Services employees to begin a part-time child welfare education program for the fall of 2024.
It was announced at the board's weekly meeting that the program would allow Ashley J. Baxter and Kelsey M. Lowrey the opportunity to earn a master's degree in social work.
"This program is paid for by the state and, after the two years, these employees will pay back the cost of the program to the county," said Baxter.
Commissioners also appointed William S. Hummel as an alternate delegate on the South Central Mountains Regional Task Force Executive Board as recommended by Allen Weaver, Emergency Management Agency Director.
According to Weaver, Juniata County is part of an eight-county terrorism task force that is tasked with using homeland security funds to provide training and equipment to respond to acts of terror etc. The executive board of the task force is composed of the emergency management coordinators from each county.
"I requested that William Hummel be appointed as an alternate delegate to the Task Force. He will be able to attend meetings and conduct task force business in my absence," said Weaver.
In other news, commissioners took the following action:
•Approved a resolution authorizing Juniata County to request a statewide local share assessment grant in the amount of $58,308 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to be used for the projects that enhance the quality of life in the community through improvements made to the Juniata County Library. These funds are needed to upgrade the fire alarm system and perform moisture mitigation in the lower level of the library;
•Approved payment of Juniata County Hazardous Materials check for Susquehanna Fire Equipment Meter Calibration with a total of $70;
•Approved submission of the fiscal year 2023 through 2024 for County Adult Probation Grant-In-Aid Grant in the amount of $30,753 as recommended by Michelle A. Beaver, chief probation officer. The term of the grant is for July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024;
•Approved the county calendars for the 2024 holiday schedule for the Juniata courthouse and offices as well as the 2024 schedule for salary, retirement and commissioners' board meetings;
•Approved of the hiring, pending receipt of the required background clearances, Jana Parks as a casual, part-time employee within the Children and Youth Services Department as recommended by Ashley J. Baxter, Children & Youth Director effective Nov. 15. This position will assist with legal paperwork in addition to other duties as needed. Due to its part-time classification, this position does not qualify for benefits including membership in the county's retirement fund as outlined in the Juniata County Employees Retirement System Plan. The hourly wage will be $15.32. Public action authorizing the creation of this position took place on June 20.