A Williamsport resident called on commissioners to investigate who is funding pro-Palestine billboards in town and to check for ties to overseas organizations. Doug Gordon, who identified himself in public comment as living at 1720 Almond Street, said the billboards — one of which reads “Stand for fairness and humanity in Palestine, the birthplace of Jesus Christ” — seek to erase Jewish and Christian historical claims and that he is concerned about foreign funding.

Gordon, who said he studies Holocaust and genocide issues, told the board that some well-funded groups behind such messaging can influence local youth and that an investigation into the groups’ identities and funding sources would be appropriate. He said members of the local Jewish community are preparing a factual-response billboard.

Earlier in the meeting, commissioners opened the session with a prayer and remarks about a recent shooting. Commissioner Collins (identified in the meeting) described being “heartbroken by this tragedy” and urged neighbors to report signs of mental-health distress. Collins said a 9-year-old at the scene had been frightened and that another child had been shot protecting a friend. “The hate has to stop,” Collins said, calling the violence “the lowest form of humanity.”

Another commissioner discussed plans for an open house at the county farm complex and emphasized the farm as a community asset and educational opportunity. The board heard Gordon’s remarks during the public-comment portion of the meeting and did not take formal action on the billboard inquiry during the session.

The commissioners concluded the agenda and scheduled the next public meeting for Sept. 4 in the same room.