SMETHPORT – The McKean County Commissioners will have a full
plate at Tuesday’s monthly meeting.

Among the agenda items noted at Thursday’s work session were
pending approval of contracts that could lead to major
construction, as well approval of the purchase of three new
vehicles for the Sheriff’s Department.

The commissioners expect to approve a contract with R.W. Larson
Associates, P.C. for architecture/engineering services for a
courthouse reconstruction project to include roof replacement,
window replacement, light replacement and a HVAC system.

Commissioner Chairman Joe DeMott explained that the actual
project, which will be aimed at increasing the energy efficiency of
the old building, is expected to cost between ,1.25 and ,1.75
million.

He noted the courthouse has 340 windows that should be replaced,
and 39 air conditioners that will be replaced by a central system.
The system will also include new and more efficient heating
equipment.

DeMott said he is hoping new federal economic stimulus programs
might include funding for improving energy efficiency, and he wants
the county to be ready to go.

He also noted that the county’s Capital Reserve Fund, created by
the prior board of commissioners for this type of project, now
stands at about ,7.4 million.

The board also expects to approve a second contract with Larson
for architectural and engineering studies for possible jail
additions.

Under consideration is a separate building to house up to 25
work-release inmates and additions to increase the holding
facilities for women from 7 to 15.

Another addition will provide new kitchen facilities now that
the inmate meals will be prepared in-house and no longer purchased
from Sena-Kean Manor.

Meanwhile, the commissioners announced they would purchase two
new cars for the Sheriff’s Department at a total cost of ,57,088
and a van for the Sheriff’s/Jail Department for ,25,963.

Sheriff Brad Mason said the two cars being replaced have well
over 100,000 miles on them and the van is a 1993 model with about
300,000 miles. He mentioned the jail has never actually had a
designated van and that he expected the new one to last for more
than a few years.

The commissioners will also approve the disbursement of ,125,000
in liquid fuels money to the 22 county municipalities using a
formula based upon population and mileage. The money represents
about half the liquid fuels money available; the rest will go
towards costs of replacing the Boyer Crossing Bridge.