Submitted photo
Area senior centers were honored by Mifflin County Commissioners during the board’s meeting on Thursday. Pictured are: Jennifer Feathers Lewistown Senior Center manager; Mifflin County Commissioner Noah Wise, Deborah Lenz, Milroy Senior Center manager; Samantha Slautterback, executive director of MJRSC; Commissioner Kevin Kodish; Chelsea Reed, Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging Director; Beth Harlan, Community Programs supervisor and Commissioner Robert Postal.

LEWISTOWN — The Mifflin County Commissioners meeting Thursday moved through a series of decisions that touched on the county’s infrastructure, human services, and the people who hold the community together.

The meeting opened with a public recognition of the area’s senior community centers, a proclamation that set a tone of appreciation for local programs that serve older adults and combat social isolation.

Commissioners proclaimed July 21-27 as Senior Community Center Appreciation Week, highlighting the important role these centers play in supporting the county’s seniors. The proclamation praised the staff and volunteers who provide a lifeline to older residents, noting that “senior community centers serve as vital community hubs that provide essential services, programs, and support to older adults, enhancing their quality of life and enabling them to age with dignity and independence.”

The document further recognized the Mifflin-Juniata Regional Services and its affiliates for “unwavering dedication and a deep well of institutional knowledge” in supporting the centers.

Samantha Slautterback, executive director of Mifflin-Juniata Regional Services Corporation, accepted the recognition on behalf of her organization, noting, “This proclamation is not just a recognition of our organization; it’s a celebration of our seniors, our staff, our volunteers and our community partners. Every day, we work to create a welcoming, supportive space where older adults can connect, stay active, learn, and thrive. We know that aging well takes more than healthcare. It takes connection, compassion, and community.”

Beth Harlan, the community programs supervisor, spoke about the activities and programs at the centers, mentioning that each month brings a new calendar of events–from games to wellness programs, lunches, and community gatherings. She thanked the staff and managers at the Lewistown and Milroy centers for their work, adding that the centers run weekdays from about 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., providing meals, games, and transportation for members.

The board turned to new business with a report from 911 Supervisor Josh Pennepaker. The county recently received recertification from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, reflecting the ongoing commitment to training and high standards in 911 emergency operations. Pennepaker explained the recertification process and the county’s efforts to maintain program quality.

Next, the Commissioners approved a request for exoneration of county per capita taxes for Bratton Township, which allows for tax relief in certain cases, such as residents who have moved, entered military service, or passed away.

The commissioners authorized a three-year agreement with Berkshire Systems Group, Inc., for fire alarm and sprinkler testing and inspections at county buildings, including the annex, courthouse, library, and historic courthouse. The contract includes a 5% annual increase, with costs rising each year through 2028.

A key item was an intergovernmental agreement with the Pennsylvania State Police, which will connect the county’s 911 Center to an interoperable radio channel for use during emergencies and major incidents.

Emergency Management Director Phil Lucas explained this formalizes cooperation between county and state agencies, allowing for better coordination when multiple departments must respond to the same event. The agreement improves interoperability with local law enforcement and ensures access to the state’s radio network, enhancing emergency response capabilities.

Infrastructure took center stage as Planning Director Jim Lettiere presented a series of actions related to the replacement of the West Railroad Street Bridge in Brown Township.

Commissioners approved time extensions for several parts of the project, allowing more time to obtain waterway permits, utility clearances, and finalize right-of-way transfers. Lettiere explained, “These extensions are being requested to move the deadline from Aug. 31 to Dec. 31 so that all permitting and utility arrangements can be completed.”

The board adopted Resolution No. 4 of 2025, authorizing an amendment to the agreement with PennDOT for the bridge project. The amendment increases project costs in several categories: final design, utilities, right-of-way acquisition, and construction.

Specifically, the final design cost rises from $250,000 to $265,000; utilities from $450,000 to $572,000, due to a gas line relocation; right-of-way from $150,000 to $196,000; and construction from $2.2 million to $3.25 million, as the bridge must be moved 500 feet upstream. The overall cost increase is $1,233,000, of which the Federal Highway Administration and PennDOT will pay 80%, while the township is responsible for the remaining 20%.

Commissioners also approved a utility relocation reimbursement agreement with UGI Utilities to move a natural gas line. The total cost for the gas line relocation is about $757,569, with the township paying $560,829 and the remainder covered by federal and state funds.

In other action, the board approved agency contracts for the Human Services Development Fund for the year. The funding allocations include $1,500 for Shelter Services, $2,250 for the Abuse Network, $10,000 for Clear Concepts Counseling, and $36,250 for county administration and service coordination, bringing the HSDF total to $50,000.

The Commissioners also approved Homeless Assistance Program grant agreements totaling $33,831, which will support case management, rental and utility help, and emergency shelter services for county residents.

The agenda included a budget modification for the Community Development Block Grant program, reallocating $107,382 within the Milroy South Main Street project to cover new ramp and curb cut work.

Commissioners also adopted an updated Language Access Plan and appointed Madison Price as the county’s Language Access Coordinator to ensure compliance with federal requirements and serve residents who may need language assistance for county housing programs.

Procurement policies for CDBG and HOME programs were updated as part of routine annual development requirements.

The board approved purchase-of-service agreements for Children and Youth Services with providers, including CHOR Youth & Family Services, Bethesda Lutheran Services, Justin Miller, Esq., and Raystown Developmental Services. The agreements set daily and hourly rates for residential care, foster care, behavioral health, and family support programs.

Commissioners finalized the meeting by allocating $62,547 in liquid fuels funds to local municipalities, supporting road maintenance and improvements across the county. They also renewed a five-year cooperative agreement with the state for domestic relations (Title IV-D), covering the period from October 2025 through September 2030.