Juniata County approves $172K payment, advances union deal, contracts

BY BRIAN CARSON

MIFFLINTOWN — Juniata County commissioners on Tuesday approved a $172,279 payment for a storage system project, the largest financial action on an agenda that also included a new labor contract, service agreements and a crime victim services grant.

The payment to Mid-Atlantic Storage Systems was approved through the county’s Community Development Block Grant program for work already completed and submitted for reimbursement.

The approval reflects the county’s continued use of grant funding to complete capital projects without increasing local taxes, while also advancing contracts that shape county services for the coming year.

For residents, the payment reflects how federal grant dollars are being used to fund local infrastructure improvements. Other actions taken Tuesday affect services ranging from child welfare to labor relations, with long-term effects on staffing, service delivery, and county operations.

Commissioners unanimously approved the $172,279 payment through the county’s CDBG-IDIS program, which reimburses eligible projects with federal funding.

The board also approved a series of purchase-of-service agreements for Children and Youth providers covering placements and programs from July 2026 through June 2027.

Commissioners approved a new collective bargaining agreement with Service Employees International Union Local 668 covering the period from Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2029.

Other financial actions included approving two payment checklists totaling more than $578,000 and ratifying hazardous materials expenditures.

The board also approved tax exonerations for several municipalities and authorized a continuation grant application for the county’s Victims of Crime Act program.

During discussion of the VOCA grant, Victim Witness Coordinator Sylvia Middaugh said the program remains a critical part of county services but is facing funding pressure.

She said the grant accounts for 40 to 45 percent of the program’s funding and will be reduced next year, forcing cuts to services.

Middaugh said the program served 162 victims last year and has already provided 269 services in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting increased demand.

Commissioners also heard from Veterans Affairs Director Donald Peters, who said his office has brought more than $1.23 million in compensation into the county since early 2024 and increased monthly benefits by about $96,000.

Peters said over 1,000 veterans and family members have been served since mid-2025 and that outreach efforts are expanding through new programs such as a monthly “Coffee for Vets” initiative.

Earlier in the meeting, emergency management officials withdrew a proposed outdoor burning regulation after recent rainfall reduced fire risk. Officials encouraged residents to use caution when burning and to be mindful of wind and dry conditions.

The CDBG program has long funded county projects, allowing capital improvements to be completed with federal assistance rather than local tax increases.

County officials also continue to navigate tightening grant funding in human services programs, particularly victim services, where statewide reductions are expected in the coming year.

Labor agreements such as the SEIU contract play a central role in stabilizing county staffing and setting wage and benefit structures for multiple departments.

Commissioners also approved two proclamations recognizing Conservation District Week and National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.

They also approved an unpaid Children and Youth internship, reviewed departmental reports and heard updates from the conservation district on environmental projects, recycling programs and road work across the county.

During a presentation, 911 telecommunications staff emphasized the availability of texting 911 as an emergency option and explained how dispatchers provide real-time instructions during emergencies.

Meeting Notebook:

• Commissioners approved an unpaid Children and Youth intern beginning in May.
• A new Children and Youth caseworker was hired to fill a vacancy.
• The county will apply for a VOCA continuation grant with a reduced funding level.
• Two proclamations recognized conservation efforts and emergency dispatch workers.
• Departmental reports from probation and the district court were reviewed.
• Emergency officials withdrew a proposed outdoor burning regulation due to improved conditions.