LEWISTOWN – The Mifflin County Commissioners covered a range of practical county matters Thursday morning, from election updates to contract renewals and personnel changes, during their regular meeting at the courthouse in Lewistown.

The board approved an amendment to its lease with the Greater Lewistown Corporation for the Agriculture Extension Office, extending the agreement through the end of 2026. Commissioners noted the adjustment will keep the office in place as construction continues on the library building. The new monthly lease rate of $3,695.11 reflects a 3% increase from 2025.

Commissioners also approved a $4,919 allocation from the county’s Liquid Fuels fund to Wayne Township to help purchase salt for the upcoming winter season. The routine exoneration of two county per capita tax bills in Juniata Terrace Borough was also approved.

During public comment, county auditor Helen Kirk raised concerns about inconsistent access to keys for renters using facilities connected to the Extension Office. Commissioners said they would look into improving communication between Penn State Extension and county offices to make key availability more reliable.

Election Director Paula Hoffman briefed the board ahead of Tuesday’s general election, reminding residents that mail-in ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day. She said the drop box outside the courthouse is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and until polls close Tuesday night. “Don’t put it in the mail if you don’t think we’re going to get it by 8 o’clock,” Hoffman said.

She also clarified that voters who requested a mail-in ballot cannot take it to their polling place to cast it in person unless they surrender all materials at the polls. Hoffman said most precincts have seen steady returns, with several nearing full participation.

Children and Youth Administrator Nicole Patkalitsky presented three purchase-of-service agreements for the agency’s use in the coming year. The agreements cover The Summit School in Herman, Adelphoi Village in Latrobe, and CHOR Youth and Family Services in Reading.

The contracts provide placement and treatment options for dependent and delinquent youth, with daily rates ranging from $104 to $1,193 depending on the level of care. Patkalitsky said the rates are set by the state and that her agency has worked with each provider previously.

Commissioners also reappointed Stephanie Fultz to a three-year term on the Juniata Valley Behavioral and Developmental Services Citizens Advisory Board. Four residents — Roxanne Garrett, Deborah Pallo, Deborah Mohr, and Bob Long — were appointed or reappointed to the Mifflin County Library Board. Long’s appointment fills an unexpired term running through 2027.

The board renewed the county’s employee vision insurance plan with VBA through 2027, maintaining coverage with no change in employee costs. Warden Jason Kormanic presented an addendum to the county’s telecommunications contract with Combined Public Communications. The change increases commission revenues for the county but does not affect inmate or family phone charges.

“It’s just our percentages increasing a little bit,” Kormanic said. The modification does not extend the existing five-year agreement, which is in its third year.

Personnel actions included the resignation of Children and Youth caseworker Arthur Stanton, effective Oct. 31; the transfer of Elizabeth Morrison from custodian to second deputy in the Prothonotary and Clerk of Court’s office; the promotion of Cassandra Trego from Caseworker I to Caseworker II; and the hiring of Bailey McCall as a new Caseworker I, effective Nov. 10.