MIFFLINTOWN — A countywide reassessment project is set to begin in Juniata County for the first time since 1974.

During its regular meeting Tuesday, the board of Juniata County Commissioners voted to proceed with the preliminary stages of the process.

According to a news release, those preliminary stages will consist of evaluating and approving a vendor proposal to conduct an assessment and initiate the formal process of financing the project.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, average home value in the United States was $32,500 when the last reassessment was taken in Juniata County.

“Given these facts, it is apparent that property values have become inconsistent, unfair, and too old to reflect current trends and changes in the value of real estate,” officials said.

Residents are encouraged to visit the county website and Facebook page to keep up-to-date on developments.

In other news commissioners approved of the following:

• Approved a professional services agreement with Mission Critical Partners LLC. for consulting and GIS professional services at a total cost of $18,540. The term of the agreement is for one year, ending Dec. 31, 2024. Costs associated with the agreement will be covered by 911 funding sources;

• Reappointed Todd A. Graybill to the Juniata County Industrial Development Authority Board. The reappointment is for a five-year term, commencing Jan. 1, 2024;

• Approved a distribution of Marcellus Shale Open Space funds in the form of two, one-time $25,000 competitive grants contingent upon municipalities meeting the requirements for eligible projects. The distribution will utilize the current application process;

• Acknowledged and accepted the resignation of Kay Powell from her part-time tipstaff position, effective Jan. 1, 2024;

• Approved the tax exonerations for Mifflintown Borough and Fermanagh, Milford, and Monroe townships;

• Approved the use of the county records improvement fund to purchase a Logitech webcam and Kofax PDF editing software at a total cost of $339.17 for the treasurer’s office;

• Acknowledged the hiring of Shalyn Kepner to fill the position of probation administrative specialist with the Juniata County Probation and Parole Department, effective Dec. 18. Kepner replaces Rachel J. Foltz who resigned Nov. 17. Wages and benefits will be as per the current bargaining unit contract;

• Approved the hiring of Richard F. Walters as a casual, part-time employee within the commissioner’s office to provide security services as needed and set an hourly wage. Walters has full firearms certification status. This position is classified at less than 1,000 hours per year and is not eligible for benefits or the county’s retirement fund.