COUDERSPORT — A resolution passed by Potter County Commissioners during a meeting held Thursday paves the way for a two-county partnership to promote events, businesses and recreational opportunities in the region.
Commissioners unanimously passed Resolution 3 of 2017, designating tourism promotion to run through the Tioga County Visitors Association.
The Potter County Visitors Association (PCVA) sent a letter to commissioners last month stating that the agency planned to disband as of June of this year. PCVA officials recommended that commissioners pursue an agreement with Tioga County for tourism promotion, with several members of the PCVA board planning to transition into that group “providing a continuum of leadership and representation for Potter County,” according to the PCVA letter.
PCVA members plan to re-register as a charitable organization in order to operate events and activities that have traditionally been run by the agency within Potter County, such as the God’s Country Marathon, the annual Maple Festival and the Austin Dam Show.
A discussion began several months ago on a merger with Tioga County for tourism promotion due to financial pressures and the resignation of long-time PCVA director David Brooks.
The two counties have a number of state parks, and tourism attractions located near the border between the two counties. Having an opportunity to showcase the wider variety of activities available when potential visitors consider both locations together could serve as an additional draw.
Changes to the county’s official tourism promotion agency must be approved by at least half of the municipalities within the county, as revenue generated through the county’s hotel tax funds the agency.
Potter County Human Services Director Jim Kockler and Commissioner Paul Heimel continue to investigate the Stepping Up program, an initiative launched at the federal level to reduce the number of individuals suffering from mental illness under incarceration.
Heimel stated that a federal grant program was announced this week, and that the information provided addressed several concerns they had with participating. The grants would require a 20-percent match, but that can be paid through another grant program, not necessarily by taxpayers. Counties also do not have to start an additional mental health specialty court, similar to the current Driving Under the Influence and Drug specialty courts operated in Potter County to address addiction issues. Instead, the issues, which often go hand-in-hand with addiction issues, can be addressed through standard courts, or through the standard specialty courts. Heimel also said that priority will be given to rural counties that develop partnerships to address this type of crime.
“We will continue to investigate the Stepping Up program and potential funding sources,” Heimel stated. When the fact-finding has ended, a recommendation will be issued to Judge Stephen Minor and other members of the Potter County criminal justice system.
In other business, an intergovernmental agreement was approved between the Potter County Sheriff’s Department and the Potter County Domestic Relations office for law enforcement services through the Title IV-D Child Support Enforcement Program, effective through Sept. 30, 2017.
A services agreement was approved with Prescient Medicine LLC, for laboratory services in coordination with the Potter County DUI/Drug court programs, effective through Dec. 31.
The next meeting of the Potter County Commissioners will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 16 at the Gunzburger Building in Coudersport.
