Public commenters raise food-pantry allegations; PBA urges attention to low prosecutor pay

During the Dec. 18 public-comment period, residents raised concerns about local programs and labor negotiations.

Kathy Britton of Hampton Township told commissioners she had seen social-media posts from associates of a person making "accusations of possible food mishandling" and said she feared negative publicity could harm the county food pantry and its volunteers. Britton also asked for answers about past allegations of "stolen valor," saying the public had not been provided follow-up information. She asked for clarification and added that she hoped the food pantry would not suffer because of social-media attention.

County officials responded from the dais. The county director said, "There is no missing $500,000 in money of the county's money. The county has not lost any $500,000," and stated the county supports the food pantry.

Diane Root of Hampton Township, who identified herself as representing PBA Local 138 (the sheriff's bargaining unit and related county public-safety units), told the commissioners that the prosecutor's office is “the lowest paid prosecutor's office out of the 21 counties,” and asked the board to consider that fact as multiple labor negotiations approach. Root said she had seen reporting suggesting commissioners might receive raises; commissioners and the director stated on the record that no raises for the commissioners are pending and that labor negotiations and employee compensation are a priority for the county.

Deputy Director Carney also commented during public remarks, advising Root to discount a local watchdog’s reporting and calling it "garbage" in response to the public’s concerns about a published article.

Why it matters: Public-comment exchanges brought attention to volunteer-run social services and upcoming labor negotiations affecting county public-safety staff. County leadership publicly denied any missing county funds and asserted there are no commissioner raises planned.