SMETHPORT — The McKean County Commissioners on Tuesday accepted the terms of a 2019 tax revenue anticipation note from Juniata Valley Bank at an interest rate of 2.81 percent.
In November, commissioners agreed to secure a note not to exceed $3.5 million.
The state’s Local Government Unit Debt Act recognizes such a process as an annual event since the months of January and February are times of negative tax flow due to the fact that revenues from the upcoming year’s real property assessments are not yet payable.
Three other banks submitted quotes. They were Northwest, 2.85 percent; PNC Bank, 3.25 percent; and Citizens and Northern Bank, 3.31 percent, plus a $500 fee in addition to the State UCC filing cost.
Commissioners also approved a revision of a 2015 Community Development Block Grant regarding re-allocation of program funding.
The county’s 2015 CDBG allocation includes $33,000 for the Norwich Township LMI sewer lateral installation project, and after the completion of all projects, there remains a balance of $14,763.47. This same CDBG contract also allocated $68,664 to the Lewis Run Borough Housing Rehabilitation project.
It has been determined that the best use of the unexpended $14,763.47 remaining from the Norwich Township sewer project would be to assist the $68,664 Lewis Run Borough housing rehab project, a change that will decrease the $33,000 Norwich Township project by $14,763.47 for a revised allocation amount of $18,263.53. At the same time, the use of the extra funding will see the Lewis Run allocation amount raised to $83,400.47.
Also gaining approval was a revision to the 2017 Community Development Block Grant Program. An excess of $8,109.05 in administration was drawn for the 2012 Foster Township CDBG grant program, requiring reimbursement back into the program, and A Partnership in Housing covered the cost of reimbursing the $8,109.05 back to the program. The McKean County Redevelopment Authority also received a lien repayment in the amount of $1,800 for a 2012 Keating Township sewer lateral installation, and these reimbursements are to be made to the current CDBG program.
The best use of this funding has been determined to be the increase of the allocation of the 2017 Kane Borough Housing Rehabilitation Program by $9,909.95 for a new reallocation total of $64,909.05.
In another resolution that was OK’d, the county will assign Lori Coffman, fiscal director, to oversee the Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust; she will have access to view and initiate transactions, open and close accounts, change banking and account information and assign permissions and establish contacts and receive statements.
In other matters, commissioners also:
authorized the county to enter into s subcontractor agreement with A Partnership in Housing Inc. for providing services under The Emergency Solutions Grant Program for activities that can include all components of Rapid Re-Housing and Homeless Prevention, HMIS and administrative costs; and
authorized the county to enter into a subcontractor agreement with YWCA Bradford Inc. for providing services under the Emergency Solutions Grant Program that can include all the components of street Outreach and Emergency Shelter Essential Services.
Linda Thompson, housing and homeless services coordinator for the McKean County Redevelopment and Housing Authorities, said the county was awarded $112,259 in 2018 Emergency Solutions Grant funds.
“This funding was extremely competitive, with $10.5 million in requests and $5 million available,” Thompson noted. “McKean County was awarded the full request for Rapid Re-Housing, Homeless Prevention and Street Outreach.”
Department of Community and Economic Development staff reported the priority for ESG funding is not shelter, and these funds were not approved even though the county proposal was very strong and scored high.
“We as a community need to collaborate and find the way to continue supporting and funding our shelter at the YWCA Bradford.”
Commissioner Carol Duffy spoke about the importance of completing and submitting the online community survey for the Northern Pennsylvania Tri-County Comprehensive Plan.
“As part of a multi-tiered public engagement process, this survey will help identify areas of need in McKean, Cameron and Potter counties,” Duffy said. “All citizens are encouraged to complete the online survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NorthernPA. Jan. 9 is the deadline.
“This survey is an excellent opportunity for residents, property owners and other stakeholders in the tri-county region to share feedback on a range of topics, including access to jobs, shopping and training, as well as information on transportation and public services,” Duffy added.
Citizens are invited to attend an open house on the comprehensive plan from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23, at the Port Allegany High School Library.
Christine Perneski, director of enterprise development for the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission, attended the meeting in an effort to increase awareness of this agency.
Due to the Christmas holiday, the commissioners’ next meeting will be at 10 a.m. Dec. 26.
Cliff Lane, vice-chairman of the commissioners, conducted the meeting.
