LEWISTOWN — The Mifflin County Commissioners on Thursday approved the county’s 2026 budget and formally adopted its new 10-year comprehensive plan–two actions that frame how the county will spend its money and shape its growth into the next decade.

The $42.47 million spending plan holds the line on taxes for the ninth straight year, keeping the property tax rate at 15.77 mills and the per capita tax at $5. Commissioners said the flat rate reflects a deliberate effort to balance operational needs with fiscal restraint during a year when several infrastructure and planning projects are moving forward.

According to figures in the 2026 budget, total revenues are projected at $42.47 million, with roughly half–$22.68 million–coming from federal and state funding. Local taxes are expected to generate $14.89 million, while charges for services contribute about $2.99 million. Spending on human services remains the largest portion of the budget at $16.4 million, followed by public safety at $9.35 million and general government operations at $8.8 million.

“We are pleased to approve a county budget that once again holds the tax rate at 15.77 mills. This millage rate has been in effect since 2018,” Commissioner Kevin Kodish said. “The County will continue to look for creative ways to effectively administer our local government, efficiently manage our personnel and make staffing-level and staffing-composition adjustments when needed, and look to provide as much support through beneficial programs for our local community so that Mifflin County continues to grow as a place for individuals to call home.”

Commissioners said the budget continues to fund core services, including public safety, judicial operations, and infrastructure maintenance, while also supporting social programs such as children and youth services, veteran assistance, and community development. Human Services Director Melissa Stewart noted during the meeting that programs such as the State Food Purchase Program and Community Development Block Grant will see expanded funding this year to address growing needs among low-income residents.

The board also approved Resolution No. 10 of 2025 adopting “Mifflin County 2035: A Decade of Progress,” the county’s updated comprehensive plan. Planning Director Jim Lettiere and consultant Steve Thomas of Michael Baker International presented the plan, which replaces a 400-page document from the previous decade with an 85-page, more “nimble and implementable” version focused on 19 specific action steps for the next 10 years.

Thomas said the plan was developed through 18 months of public input, stakeholder meetings, and surveys involving residents, local business leaders, and regional organizations such as the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Visitors Bureau. He said the plan highlights priorities in housing, transportation, economic development, and land use, and is intended to guide coordinated projects across county departments and municipalities.

“This represents a milestone for the county and for the planning department,” Lettiere said. “We’ve created an implementable plan, one that’s practical and rooted in community collaboration.” The document and an accompanying executive summary are available on the county’s website for public viewing.

Beyond the budget and comprehensive plan, the commissioners handled several other items of new business. They approved extending Burnham Borough’s loan repayment agreement for its wastewater treatment project, naming Keller Engineers as county engineer through 2031, and certifying $37,500 in county funds for the 2026 farmland preservation program. Liquid fuels allocations were approved for Derry, Granville, Burnham, and Juniata Terrace townships, totaling $18,171 for equipment, road maintenance, and signage.

The county also authorized professional service contracts for two major capital projects with J-Way Architectural–$191,568 for the Mifflin County Learning Center site and streetscape work, and $282,750 for phase two of the Historic Courthouse exterior restoration. Both projects are funded through state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants.

Public safety and justice funding were another area of focus. The commissioners approved a new laboratory services agreement with Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital for the county correctional facility and renewed the county’s participation in the Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification system, which alerts victims when offenders are released or transferred. Chief Probation Officer Nick Wolfkiel received approval for two grants totaling nearly $138,000, one supporting probation salaries and another aimed at reducing recidivism through the Intermediate Punishment Program.

Public Defender Shawn Curry and Human Services Director Stewart also received authorization to modify the county’s Indigent Defense Grant, allowing the county to reallocate funds within its $118,000 award to better address caseload and equipment needs. Curry said the county’s careful management has allowed it to fully utilize its state funding each year without waste.

In other actions, the commissioners approved subrecipient agreements with Oliver Township for stormwater improvements funded through the 2022 and 2023 Community Development Block Grant programs, and heard from SEDA-COG’s Carol Kearney-High about a competitive block grant application for the Juniata Terrace Water Main River Crossing Project. That proposal seeks $1.1 million in federal funding to replace a corroded pipe that supplies water to approximately 400 homes in Juniata Terrace and nearby areas–a project Kearney-High said has been “discussed for decades” and is critical to both safety and public health.

The meeting concluded with several personnel moves. Ryan Fike was promoted from Probation Officer I to Probation Officer II, effective Dec. 22, 2025. Ryan Snyder, a Training and Security Corrections Officer, resigned effective Dec. 16, 2025. Elizabeth Massie was appointed as an intern in the District Attorney’s Office, effective Dec. 22, 2025. Leslie Weston was hired as Second Deputy Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts, effective Dec. 29, 2025. Olivia Ehnsman was hired as a part-time Corrections Officer/Intern, effective Dec. 29, 2025.