MIFFLINTOWN — Residents voiced their opinions Tuesday at the weekly Juniata County Commissioners meeting regarding a recent news article detailing a collaboration with the county sheriff’s office and ICE/Homeland Security.

“We are a very rural county and do not have the resources to undertake the duties and obligations of the federal government,” said Commissioner Alice Gray.

“We cannot and will not raise taxes on our Juniata County residents to fund any Juniata County official to engage in activities that are beyond the scope of the duties for the county,” added Gray.

The Juniata County Commissioners said they were not consulted by the sheriff regarding his interest in undertaking various duties on behalf of the federal government.

“Therefore the County Commissioners have not approved of any such agreement between the sheriff and any other entity; and there is nothing before the County Commissioners for such approval,” said Gray.

Gray stated that the Commissioners do determine the funding amount for those departments but they do not have authority as to what the departments choose to do with the funding.

Gray stated that the Commissioners cannot answer questions regarding the County’s alleged collaboration with ICE at the time of the meeting and that such questions should be directed to the solicitor.

Gray also stated that the Commissioners asked for a meeting with the county sheriff and are waiting for a response to get the answers the public needs.

The Juniata County Commissioners also:

Approved the purchase of services agreements for Juniata County Children and Youth Services with Mifflin Juniata Human Services, Mifflin Juniata Human Services, Raystown Developmental Services, Inc., TIU Community Education & Workforce Services, Justice Works Youth Care, Inc., D & D Driving School, Zashelle Florentino, KP’s Cleaning Services, Family Care Services, Inc, Family Care for Children & Youth, Inc. and Valley Youth House;

Approved the tax exonerations for Mifflin Borough;

Approved the MATPP Grant Agreement & Assurance of Compliance as presented by Melissa Stewart, director of Mifflin Juniata Human Services;

Approved payment of checks in the amount of $199,779.41 and in the amount of $95,197.99;

Approved payment of the Juniata County Hazardous Material check in the amount of $992.75 to New Pig Corporation and a check for PA Public Safety LLC. In the amount of $501.897;

Accepted the resignation of Jensen Hart from her position as Case Worker in the Juniata County Children & Youth office effective as of the end of business on July 11.