LEWISTOWN — With Election Day just over a week away, Mifflin County officials emphasized voter readiness while moving forward with a wide range of administrative approvals, infrastructure investments and personnel changes during the Mifflin County Commission’s regular meeting Thursday.

Mifflin County Director of Elections/Voter Registration Paula Hoffman reported that preparations for the May 19 election are well underway. Approximately 1,800 mail-in ballots have already been distributed, and completed ballots continue to be returned. The final day to apply for a mail-in ballot is Tuesday, May 12, with the elections office open until 5 p.m.

Hoffman acknowledged a recent issue in which some voters received incomplete ballot packets. The problem primarily affected the Lewistown North voting precinct, though it has largely been corrected. Voters who did not receive a full ballot are encouraged to contact the office or visit in person to obtain a replacement.

Officials stressed that duplicate ballots will not be counted — if a replacement is issued, the original is voided.

Additionally, Hoffman reminded voters that the ballot is a single-sided document that might appear as a blank sheet at first glance, urging residents to carefully examine all materials before discarding them. No precinct changes have been made ahead of the election.

U.S. Marshals contract updated

The commissioners approved an updated agreement with the United States Marshals Service for housing federal detainees at the Mifflin County Correctional Facility in Lewistown. The revised contract increases the daily per diem rate from $75 to $93, while transportation costs rise from $21.50 to $38 per hour.

Officials noted that the agreement does not automatically expire and instead continues indefinitely until re-negotiated. The county has not reviewed the contract in several years, prompting the update. While the facility rarely houses more than three federal detainees at a time, officials agreed the revised rates are fair and reflective of current costs.

Property sales approved

Two repository property transactions were approved. Commissioners accepted a $5 offer from Granville Township for a 0.08-acre parcel in the Township, noting the township also already owns the adjacent property.

In Lewistown Borough, the board approved a $4,000 offer from MBA Builders for a property at 9 Chestnut St. Extended, Lewistown. The developer plans to renovate the property for residential occupancy, signaling potential neighborhood revitalization.

Grant funding and financial allocations

The commissioners approved submission of a Justice Reinvestment Grant application totaling $77,891, which would support the county’s probation department if awarded.

Additionally, the commissioners reviewed the 2026 liquid fuels distribution, totaling $62,547, which will be allocated among all 16 municipalities in the county. Distribution is based on roadway mileage and population.

Margaret Zook was appointed to fill an unexpired term on the Mifflin County Library Board of Directors, serving from May 1, through Dec. 31, 2027.

Professional services agreements

A proposal from Susquehanna Accounting and Consulting Solutions, of Harrisburg, was approved to prepare indirect cost allocation plans for 2024 through 2026. These plans enable the county to recover administrative costs tied to state and federal funding programs.

The commissioners also approved a continued legal services agreement with attorney Linus Fenicle of Smigel, Anderson and Sachs, of Harrisburg. Fenicle will provide counsel to the Planning Commission under a $500 quarterly retainer, continuing a longstanding professional relationship.

YMCA project moves forward

The commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding with the Juniata Valley YMCA in Burnham for a major facility improvement project funded through a $600,000 Local Share Account grant.

The project will focus on rehabilitation and environmental control system upgrades. Due to bids exceeding the grant funding, the YMCA has agreed to contribute an additional $116,850 and cover any further overruns.

The commissioners also advanced the project by approving contractor selections. Mid-State Construction, of Altoona, was identified as the lowest responsible bidder for general construction at $222,850, while PBCI Allen Mechanical and Electrical, of State College, was selected for mechanical work at $422,000. Construction is expected to begin Aug. 1 and conclude by Sept. 30.

Courthouse rehabilitation adjustment

A change order of $27,585.75 was approved for Phase One of the Mifflin County Historic Courthouse rehabilitation project. The adjustment, which increases the total contract to $343,135.75, covers floor repairs and other necessary updates. The change had already received approval from the project architect.

Housing program extension requested

The commissioners approved submitting a request to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to extend the county’s housing rehabilitation program deadline to Dec. 5, 2027.

The program, funded with a $350,000 grant, aims to rehabilitate up to five homes. Currently, one project has been completed, a second is underway, and a third is scheduled to begin this summer. A fourth home is being evaluated, with the possibility of adding a fifth. DCED has encouraged the extension to allow full use of available funds.

CDBG Administrative Agreement Approved

The board also approved a $147,750 administrative services agreement with SEDA-COG for the county’s 2025 Community Development Block Grant program.

The agreement covers grant administration, environmental reviews, project delivery costs and labor standards compliance. Officials noted that the contract continues a longstanding partnership, with costs remaining consistent with previous years.

Personnel changes announced

Several personnel updates were approved:

Cynthia Barger was hired as case coordinator II, effective May 11;

Rick Boreman will retire as field assessor on May 15;

Holly Yeager transferred from fiscal assistant to accounts payable clerk on April 27;

Makyla Groce moved from accounts payable clerk to payroll manager on May 4;

Charity Larson will transition from payroll manager to chief clerk in-training, effective May 11.

Next meeting

The commissioners next scheduled meeting is on Thursday, May 21, at 9 a.m. at the Mifflin County Courthouse, in Lewistown.