The Sharwell Building in Williamsport is home to some county services, that may be rehomed to save money. KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Following approval by the Lycoming County commissioners of a Letter of Intent on Thursday, the Joinder Board’s move from its current Sharwell Building location to the county-owned Third Street Plaza is now official.

The county, which is in the process of selling Executive Plaza to Horizon Federal Credit Union, plans to be moved into Third Street Plaza by the first of the year. The Joinder will now join them by Aug. 1, 2024.

The Joinder’s move will result in a savings of about $572,000, according to Commissioner Scott Metzger. About $380,000 of that will be able to be used for services offered by the Joinder.

“Ultimately it serves the clients better-it serves the public better,” said Commissioner Rick Mirabito.

In other business, the commissioners approved a resolution urging the General Assembly to address the update reauthorization of Chapter 53 of Title 35 of the state’s consolidated statutes with 911 surcharge increase to support next generation 911 systems across the state. Mirabito noted that funding for the 911 system comes through surcharges.

A resolution supported increased funding for community-based mental health services was approved.

Prior to approving the resolution, the commissioners discussed how funding for mental health services has not increased for almost two decades.

“The public really needs to hear that — $4 million in 2005 for mental health based funding and $4 million in 2023 for mental health based funding, so no change in 18 years,” Mirabito said.

“It’s probably worth about $2 million when you take into account and the last two years of inflation have degraded it even more,” he said.

Under personnel, the commissioners approved the following: Randy Ritter, full-time new position, recycling laborer in Resource Management Services, $14.50 per hour; Kristin Perez, full-time replacement resource recovery assistant manager in Resource Management Services, $50,641 per year; and Zain Hill, full-time replacement correctional officer I at the prison, $20 per hour.

The next commissioners’ meeting will be at 10 a.m., July 6 in the Commissioners’ Board Room, 1st floor Executive Plaza, 330 Pine St.