COUDERSPORT — Potter County Commissioners approved a request for funds from the Potter County Veterans’ Service Committee to facilitate bringing the Moving Wall to Potter County.
The $5,500 request will cover the initial expenses to partner with Vietnam Veterans Combat Ltd., which is tasked with care of the Moving Wall displays that travel across the country annually. While funds are coming from the county, they are being allocated from a fund bequeathed by a former resident specifically to help veterans and organize events in their honor.
The exhibit will be hosted in Potter County from Sept. 14 through 17, and will be open 24-hours per day throughout its stay in Potter County for veterans and community members to view at a time convenient for them.
“While the Moving Wall is here, it will be open 24/7, and we will have constant guards and guides throughout that time,” said Commissioner Paul Heimel, who is also a member of the Veterans Service Committee. “We will likely hold a ceremony early on the evening of Friday, September 14 to kick things off. The wall and volunteers will be there through and including Monday, September 17, when we are tentatively planning a school day with programming to accompany students’ visits to the Moving Wall.”
The Moving Wall will be on display at the Mapleview in Coudersport, as it is an ideal location for housing the exhibit due its large, grassy area, lighted flagpole, ample parking, and proximity to Coudersport’s American Legion Post, the Potter County VA Clinic, and other amenities that will be utilized during the event.
The Moving Wall is coming to Potter County as part of an effort to recognize Vietnam Veterans and the county’s partnership with the Vietnam War Commemorative Committee, a national organization working to recognize and honor Vietnam-era veterans across the country.
A number of other ceremonies and events are being organized in conjunction with the Moving Wall and Vietnam Veterans-recognition activities. More information will be made available as plans are finalized.
During a meeting of the salary board held just prior to the regular meeting, approval was given to make changes to job descriptions and positions within the sheriff’s department to better reflect the duties and requirements of certain positions.
Sheriff Glenn C. Drake II explained that, although sheriff’s deputies are part of the union and paid on-par with secretary salaries, their job is vastly different, requires much more training, and is inherently hazardous, at times.
Sheriff’s Deputies are no longer part of the county union, and are instead appointed, salaried employees. A salary of $32,000 per year will be paid to those hired who already have all their certifications. Those who need only the sheriff’s certificate will earn $28,000 until they have completed the required courses. If, in rare cases, and individual were to be hired without the certifications to fill a position until all requirements are met, they will make $22,000 annually. In addition, the one part-time position typically maintained in the sheriff’s department will become full-time.
The changes will only affect sheriff’s deputies, not jail guards or courthouse security positions. As of now, the department employs Drake as sheriff/jail warden, a chief deputy, and two full-time sheriff’s deputies. Further action is expected at the February meeting to finalize the positions.
Commissioners approved a request from Coroner Kevin Dusenbury for increases in deputies’ fees. Currently, a deputy earns only $50 when called out to assist the coroner. This move will increase that rate to $100. Dusenbury indicated that in 2017, deputies were only dispatched nine times. An increase was also approved in the ambulance transportation rate from $100 to $150, also on the coroner’s request.
A proposal was approved to purchase CodeRED program software for use in the county in case of emergencies. The service can be used to call hospitals, businesses, residents and others to alert them to hazardous road conditions, weather conditions, and other emergencies. The software will be purchased and installed at a cost of $3,900, and its numerous services will be researched by emergency services and other personnel to determine its usefulness in the county.
Chuck Dillon, a field representative working with Sen. Joe Scarnati’s office, visited the meeting to get input from commissioners on issues facing counties in the coming year. Commissioner Doug Morley highlighted struggles to bring the 911 system up to current standards and technologies. A grant recently secured will cover upwards of $500,000 of the estimated $3.5 million cost. Heimel asked that state lawmakers keep in mind the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania’s (CCAP) 10 platforms, most importantly the need for additional human services funding. Commissioners asked Dillon to thank Scarnati for his support during the process of getting the Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILT) increase, and mediation with PennDOT on the downtown Coudersport construction project.
The next meeting of the Potter County Commissioners will be held at 11 a.m. on Jan. 17 at the Gunzburger Building.
