COUDERSPORT — Potter County Commissioners attended a number of informational sessions during a recent trip to the annual County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania conference.
Commissioner Paul Heimel heard a presentation on the increasing complexities of probation departments during the conference. With all of the new initiatives, an increasing caseload, and a need for more accountability for individuals under supervision, probation department staff are more taxed. Heimel stated there is a need for counties to consider probation departments in the planning phase for criminal justice-related changes.
Taxation and assessment was a topic of discussion, as well, with a recommendation for legislative action concerning changes to the tax incentive programs to insure accountability to companies receiving tax breaks.
Commissioner Susan Kefover stated that individuals and businesses across northwestern Pennsylvania are not taking advantage of Historic Preservation tax credits, amounting to $500,000 in funding this year that will go to other regions in the state if not claimed by local sources. Tax credits can be granted for historic properties that are changed or improved for use as an income-producing property. Kefover urged eligible historical building owners to take advantage of the program.
Kefover attended a Department of Community and Economic Development presentation that introduced department heads to discuss the many programs administered by the agency.
Kefover presented a number of Pennsylvania facts disseminated as part of the roll-out of the state’s new slogan, “Pursue your happiness.” Pennsylvania has the nineteenth-largest economy in the world. Products made here are sold in 221 countries. Pennsylvania is the snack-food capital of the country.
The county budget will be available for public review beginning on Dec. 2, at the Gunzburger Building in Coudersport.
The Teen Challenge program will expand rehabilitation services to individuals in need of drug treatment beginning in January. While the long-term rehabilitation is faith-based, two new clinically-based programs will be available to residents across the state: a detox program and a short-term (30 day) program, according to Kefover. The two programs can accept more than 100 people and could alleviate some of the issues surrounding backlogs at facilities.
Commissioners approved the 2017 business meeting schedule.
The next meeting of the Potter County Commissioners will be held at 11 a.m. on Dec. 8.
