Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Regional Services Aog topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Five County Association presenter outlines regional programs, requests local engagement
Summary
A representative of the Five County Association of Governments described programs for aging, veterans, childcare resources, energy audits and natural resources, noted funding pressures and asked counties for continued engagement and coordination.
A representative of the Five County Association of Governments briefed the Beaver County Commission on the association’s programs and requested closer local engagement.
Darren Bushman (identified in the meeting as representing the Five County Association) described a portfolio of services that includes aging programs and falls‑prevention classes, a Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), veterans services, a community action partnership addressing poverty mitigation, childcare resource agencies, home energy audits and a local administrative adviser program that helps smaller cities with municipal administration.
Bushman described the childcare resource work as unique in the state, noted recent openings of two childcare centers in Wayne County and flagged the association’s energy‑efficiency efforts — which include replacing refrigerators, windows and HVAC units — and the program’s reliance on a warehouse for distribution of goods.
He said the association administers grants that range from modest awards up to several hundred thousand dollars and that the association’s total services budget is roughly $13.6 million, with Beaver County’s contribution recorded in the meeting as $150,000. He described a perceived shortfall in state budget support for some programs and said the association would engage with the Legislature and local officials to restore or sustain funding.
Bushman also described a need to build natural‑resource capacity to help counties navigate federal programs (for example NRCS and other federal funding) and said the association is exploring revenue streams and staffing models to support that work. He offered to bring staff to county meetings for program briefings and training.
Commissioners and staff asked follow‑up questions and thanked the presenter. No formal action was taken; the presentation was informational and the association asked counties to consider partnering on outreach and program delivery.
