SMETHPORT — The North Central PA Regional Planning and Development Commission does a lot for the region, officials explained at Tuesday’s meeting of McKean County commissioners.
North Central is an integral part of creating a more vibrant economic region, but representatives felt their attempts have fallen short in sharing with area residents just how critical their efforts are to building healthy businesses and sustainable communities.
North Central Executive Director James Chorney explained the organization has stepped up its outreach game, hiring a marketing and outreach coordinator in Brent Addleman and hosting roundtable discussions in conjunction with its board meetings.
The first roundtables will follow today’s board meeting at the Red Fern in Kersey, held the fourth Wednesday each month.
“We’re trying to enhance the education of our board members and our counties regarding what our organization is trying to do, the services we provide, programs we run and the structure of the organization,” Chorney said.
“We’re really excited and I’m happy to say we have a really good turnout with 50 people signed up. All legislative officials from the six counties have been invited.”
Chorney explained that, due to the positive turnout, North Central plans to host additional events throughout its six-county service area, which includes McKean, Potter, Elk, Cameron, Jefferson and Clearfield counties.
Regarding Addleman, Chorney said, “You’ll be seeing him reaching out to folks, trying to get more participation, and hearing a lot more about North Central. We felt that was missing and are trying to enhance that.”
Learn more about North Central at ncentral.com.
McKean County Human Services Director Dan Wertz also took advantage of the public comment period to share information regarding funding currently available for McKean County homeowners.
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency reopened the Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund on Monday to homeowners struggling as a result of pandemic-related financial hardships.
PAHAF provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners for mortgage and housing-related expenses to address delinquency and avoid default, foreclosure or displacement from their homes.
Wertz explained the income limits are higher than people might expect.
“A single-person household the income limit is $96,200,” he said, adding, “There’s $48 to $50 million remaining in this program.
“I checked the dashboard this morning and there were 55 households in McKean County that have received assistance as of March 20 — two so far in 2024. The total assistance is $401,000, an average of $7,900 per household, which are eligible for up to $50,000.”
Visit www.pahaf.org for more information, eligibility requirements and instructions on how to apply. The PAHAF Call Center is also available at (888) 987-2423 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Also during the meeting, commissioners proclaimed March 2024 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in McKean County.
The proclamation read: “We value what is important to people with disabilities and their families, who are striving for an everyday life, to have equal inclusion, recognition and appreciations of their skills, views and abilities.
“We encourage all citizens of McKean County to support the efforts and hard work of Pennsylvanians with a developmental disability, and their families, as they strive to live self-determined everyday lives and realize their own personal aspirations.”
In human resources matters, Nicholas Thwing was named full-time dispatcher at the McKean County 911 Center. Commissioners approved a professional services agreement with MCM Consulting Group Inc. at $15,000 per year for three years, contracted two years of I.T. services for $1,930.09 through March 26, 2026, approved a new contract with drug testing laboratory Premier Biotech LLC, and all other items on the day’s agenda.
Commissioners’ next meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. April 9.
