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LEWISTOWN -- At Thursday's meeting, the Mifflin County Commissioners approved a Professional and Administrative Services Agreement with the SEDA-Council of Governments, Lewisburg.
This collaboration aims to administer the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) for Mifflin County, including the Townships of Armagh, Brown, Derry, Granville and the Borough of Lewistown.
Over the years, these areas have been allocated substantial federal funds across different fiscal years for various projects. These allocations include:
• Federal Fiscal Year 2020-Entitlement-Mifflin County and on behalf of the Townships of Armagh, Brown, Derry, Granville and the Borough of Lewistown-$25,000;
• Federal Fiscal Year 2020-Discretionary (Competitive) -Juniata Terrace Water Main – $67,500;
• Federal Fiscal Year 2021-Entitlement-Mifflin County and on behalf of the Townships of Armagh, Brown, Derry, Granville and the Borough of Lewistown – $47,200;
• Federal Fiscal Year 2022-Entitlement- Mifflin County and on behalf of the Townships of Armagh, Brown, Derry, Granville and the Borough of Lewistown – $105,400;
• Federal Fiscal Year 2022-Discretionary-Competitive (CV) Hawstone Road Sewer Project – $105,000;
• Federal Fiscal Year 2022-Discretionary-Competitive (CV) Hawstone Road Water Project – $170,000;
• Federal Fiscal Year 2023-Entitlement- Mifflin County and on behalf of the Townships of Armagh, Brown, Derry, Granville and the Borough of Lewistown – $97,200;
Each of these funds addresses critical community needs, ranging from water and sewer system enhancements to overall infrastructural improvements, primarily focusing on aiding low to moderate-income households and improving economic opportunities.
In 2015, following a directive from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (PA-DCED), Mifflin County undertook a significant administrative shift. The county assumed responsibility for the CDBG program for Brown, Derry and Granville townships, along with the Borough of Lewistown.
This change marked a pivotal moment in the county's approach to managing and allocating developmental funds, reflecting a broader scope of responsibility and a commitment to addressing the specific needs of these municipalities.
Then, in 2022, Armagh Township's status evolved significantly. Based on data from the US Census Bureau, the township was designated as an entitlement municipality. This new status for Armagh Township underlines the adaptability of the CDBG program to demographic changes. It emphasizes the program's focus on assisting communities based on current needs.
The Mifflin County Planning and Development Department, responsible for administering the CDBG program for over 25 years, faced a significant challenge in 2023.
The sudden departure of key employees tasked with the day-to-day activities of the program presented a unique hurdle, highlighting the need for specialized knowledge in program administration. This situation underscored the complexity and specificity required in managing such significant projects.
SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), a vital partner for 11 central Pennsylvania counties, steps in to fill this crucial gap. With a rich history of managing CDBG programs across the region for 40 years, SEDA-COG brings a wealth of experience and established procedures to the table.
Their team, comprising about 15 specialized staff members, is well-versed in various aspects of the CDBG program. This includes environmental review processes, labor standards, federal procurement standards, and project management from inception to completion.
Tyler Dombroski, director of Community Development Programs at SEDA-COG, emphasized their expertise in dealing with the intricacies of federal funds and their procurement standards, which differ significantly from state requirements.
Their familiarity with these processes ensures efficient and effective program management. SEDA-COG's policies and procedures have been tested over time, assuring correct program management.
As Mifflin County transitions the administration of the CDBG program to SEDA-COG, it becomes imperative to recruit a Grants Liaison. This role will bridge the gap between the county, entitlement municipalities, the public, and SEDA-COG.
This move, expected to follow the finalization of professional services agreements, will mark a new chapter in community development for Mifflin County and its associated townships and boroughs.
The strategic partnership between Mifflin County and SEDA-COG represents a concerted effort to enhance community development through effective administration of important federal funds. With SEDA-COG's knowledge and the county's commitment, the path ahead looks promising for the improvement of economic opportunities and infrastructure in these communities.
Also during Thursday's meeting, Register and Recorder Ellen Amspacker addressed the Commissioners about preserving old records to keep the history of the county alive. She also recommended a company to bring about the preservation.
The Commissioners promised to look into the matter further since the topic was not on the original agenda.
In other news, the Commissioners:
• Approved request for exoneration of 2023 county portion per capita taxes: Menno Township Tax Collector Cynthia Clever-9, Union Township Tax Collector Herb Zook-21, Decatur Township Tax Collector Cindy McKnight-17, Derry Township Tax Collector Bret Treaster-36;
• Approved Mifflin County Probation 2023-24 Grant-In-Aid Award for the period July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024 – $21,841;
• Approved an application for County Aid-2023 Allocations: Newton Hamilton Borough – $1,000;
• Reappointed Alan Metzler, Reedsville, to the Airport Authority for a five-year term;
•Reappointed Victor Yoder, Lewistown, to the Hospital Authority for a five-year term;
• Approved the Purchase of Service Agreement for use, if needed, by Children and Youth: Salvation Army, Allentown, George Jr. Republic, Grove City;
• Rescinded the hiring of Lee Shirk as a part-time corrections officer;
• Approved the hiring of Breanna Hockenberry for Children and Youth caseworker I, effective Jan. 2, 2024.