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With their approval of four agreements related to professional services for the Troy Bailey death penalty case, the Lycoming County Commissioners commented on the cost to taxpayers for these cases.
"These things, sadly, cost us as taxpayers a ton of money, millions, and you ask yourself the question, do you plead it out," said Commissioner Marc Sortman.
He admitted that might be an easier, more cost effective thing to do, but not what the victims' families want.
"What do you say to the mother whose child was murdered when you say, hey we pleaded this out instead," he said.
He noted that the state has not had an execution since 1970.
"Unfortunately as taxpayers, not only do we pay for the DA to prosecute, we pay for the defendant's public defender," Sortman stated.
The items approved are related to the trial, which has not occurred as yet. Bailey is accused of allegedly kidnapping and murdering two people in 2024.
The following agenda items were approved by the commissioner for expert services related to the trial: an amendment to the agreement with Paul D. Connor, PH. D. for neuro-psychological assessment services to be paid out of operating expenses; an agreement with W. Joel Schneider for expert psychological services to be paid out of operating expenses; an agreement with Natalie Novak Brown PhD for expert psychological services to be paid out of operating expenses; and an amendment to the agreement with Akaga Campbell for professional services to be paid out of operating expenses.
No specific costs were listed for these services.
Other items approved by the commissioners were: the appointment of Roger Jarrett to the Industrial Authority Board effective 1/1/2027 through 12/31/2031; and the agreement of sale for parcel 164 Beach Road and parcel 59 Beach Road in the amount of $315,000.00 pending final solicitor review.
The commissioners explained that the money from the sale of the properties, which are adjacent to the County Farm, will be used for improvements at the farm.
Under personnel, internal changes approved were: Angela Scocchera, full-time procurement & grant officer, $41,212 per year; Sean Diggan, full-time resident supervisor, a union position, $20.70 per hour.
New hires approved included three full-time union resident supervisor positions at the Pre-Release Center: Zachery Miller, Candida Kingston and Lutricia Ellman. All are at a $20.70 per hour rate of pay.
The next commissioners' meeting will be at 10 a.m., Oct. 15 at the Commissioners' Board Room, 3rd floor Third Street Plaza, 33 West Third St.