SMETHPORT — Commissioners closed some outstanding business during their regular meeting Tuesday at the McKean County Courthouse.
A memorandum of understanding between the McKean County Conservation District and commissioners clarifies their respective roles when services are shared.
Commissioner Marty Wilder explained that some parts of the district’s work falls under the county, while others do not. MCCD handles most of its conservation projects independently and has its own board of directors; however, its employees are county employees.
The MOU approved by commissioners helps to delineate who does what and “was a long time in the works,” Wilder said. “It’s good to see it done.”
Also during the meeting, commissioners approved tax-exempt status on three municipal government properties, two in Bradford assessed at $6,970 and $14,400, and one in Kane assessed at $4,680.
Several contracts and agreements were also approved. Optical Storage Solutions Inc. will provide nine licenses and software support for the recorder of deeds and planning, at $10,415 for the period of March 1 through Feb. 28, 2026. A maintenance agreement will proceed with Cortexflo totaling $2,250 for the Children’s Advocacy Center, effective Feb. 18 through Feb. 18, 2026. The Marco lease and maintenance agreement was approved at 105.07 per month for 60 months for the public defender’s office. A repository sale of 90 Maplewood Ave., Bradford, will proceed at $250 to the only bidders, Theron J. Simmons and Emily C. Lavender-Simmons.
Another approval went through, with comments from Wilder and Richard Fry, McKean County Planning Commission, for Barton & Loguidice to prepare an updated 10-year solid waste management plan, for a total not to be exceeded of $75,000.
Wilder said she understood it was a federal requirement, but was concerned about the cost and the fact it is paid for with taxpayer money. Fry offered further explanation that, because the county landfill is a privately owned company, “if they decided to close up shop and leave, the county still has to have a plan in place.”
He said that the county’s out-of-pocket cost is actually less than $5,000 “after a grant awarded to us and then in-kind payment of our ours go toward it as well.”
Fry noted a committee will be formed with meetings held throughout the county to discuss the plan with multiple stakeholders such as municipal leaders, recycling programs and city officials.
Commissioners will meet again at 10 a.m. March 11.
