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Lycoming County commissioners voted in favor of a number of contracts directed toward families and youth.
Commissioners approved an agreement with STEP, Inc. during their meeting Tuesday to provide Youth Workforce Development/Employment Services at a cost of $205,000.
Mark Egly, county Children and Youth administrator, told commissioners the program targets at-risk youths in jeopardy of dropping out of school and helping them eventually become employed.
The STEPing Stones program, also through STEP and approved by commissioners, directs youths toward jobs and complements their treatment services, Egly noted.
Commissioner Scott Metzger said the two programs have proven to be particularly worthwhile.
Commissioners also approved contracts with Merakey Pennsylvania for foster services and an agreement with West Branch Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission for the Strengthening Families Program at an amount not to exceed $20,000.
Also approved by commissioners was a change order with the state Department of Health calling for a funding grant reduction from $271,515 to $245,160.
Wendy Hastings, of Lycoming Tioga Sullivan Emergency Medical Services Council, noted the reduction will impact some programs for emergency personnel including training and ambulance equipment.
Commissioners applied for a state grant to extend a gas line to county property across from the landfill.
Commissioners noted that they are in communication with an unnamed company to locate there resulting in more than 100 jobs to the area.
"They want to put a manufacturing facility there," Commissioner Rick Mirabito said.
The Department of Community and Economic Development grant, for approximately $400,000, would require a $200,000 match from the county.
In personnel matters, commissioners approved the hirings of the following four people to fill open positions:
• Olivia K. Fisher, bail release officer, prison, $19.81 per hour.
• Darin L. Thomas and Collin J. Grimm, correctional officers, prison, $17.23 per hour.
• Kerry A. Bennett, clerk, adult probation, $19.65 per hour.
Metzger said county officials continue to work toward making employees safe from COVID-19.
"I am pleased to work with the other two commissioners to keep things open," he said.
Metzger said that unlike the state, the county has shown leadership in addressing the coronavirus.
Since the onset of the pandemic in March, a total of eight county employees have been infected by coronavirus, according to Department of Public Services Director Jeffrey Hutchins.
A total of 12 people, are presently hospitalized in the county for COVID-19, he added.
Metzger said while infections rates have risen of late across the state, very few are hospitalized for coronavirus.