Lycoming County Commissioners Tony Mussare and Rick Mirabito candidly gave their opinions on the legalization of medicinal and recreational marijuana during Tuesday’s meeting at the behest of Todd Lauer, of Jersey Shore, during public comment.

Both commissioners stated they are pro-medicinal marijuana, saying they feel the medicinal benefits — such as for people with seizures — is clear. Mussare’s main concern is with making sure proper regulations are in place before the industry takes over, he said.

When it comes to recreational marijuana, Mirabito said it’s “important to distinguish between legalization and decriminalization.”

Mussare said he is not for recreational use, but is concerned about the costs of arresting and housing people simply for smoking marijuana. Mirabito agreed.

“We definitely have to put our emphasis elsewhere,” he said.

Mirabito added that he believes the nation needs consistent laws on the matter, because businesses that make money from marijuana in states that have legalized it are unable to store that money with the national banking system due to current federal laws. Instead, they have to keep the cash and find alternative ways to pay taxes and other expenses, he said.

In another matter, the commissioners announced there will be no public meetings next week due to a County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania conference being held in Erie.

Commissioner Jack McKernan said he is not only looking for information and vendors at the conference that could be helpful to the county, but also to gain credit toward graduating from the association’s academy.

“What Commissioner Mirabito and I are trying to accomplish as young commissioners is that we have to be graduates of CCAP Academy and you need so many credits to do that,” McKernan said. “I haven’t had the chance to look at the educational breakout to see where my interests really lie, yet, but I will look at the selection they have and see what I can do.”

“There’s usually a large assortment of vendors there,” he added. ” We may be looking for people who could help us out. In particular, we’re trying to find ways to save money in the prison on medical and pharmaceutical costs.”

In other business, Lauer also asked the commissioners for an update on the repairs being made on the county prison’s boiler system, a $28,000 project approved in early June. Mirabito responded that he would contact prison maintenance officials, and hopes to provide the update at Thursday’s meeting.

The commissioners will consider the following on Thursday:

• Adopting a resolution to accept a $25,000 grant from Muncy Bank for the Muncy resiliency project.

• Approving a quote of $34,866 from Green Machine Sales LLC for parts and labor to repair machinery at the recycling center.’

• Approving a quote of $34,460 from Snyder Equipment Company to replace the end panels on buildings used by the recycling center for storage. The materials include improved fabric and a 20-year warranty.

• Approving a quote of $12,906 from ePlus for the annual Smartnet Nexus renewal, which includes labor and parts that need replaced.

Commissioners McKernan, Mirabito and Mussare were present, although McKernan had to step out early. The next meeting will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday.