Clearfield County commissioners approve routine contracts, authorize Seneca tax-appeal consent; controller reports reserve transfers

CLEARFIELD — At a meeting of the Clearfield County Commissioners, the panel approved multiple routine agreements, a resolution authorizing a consent order in a tax appeal, and a proclamation recognizing Meals on Wheels Month.

Controller Edwards presented the bills and provided a budget-update: the general fund bills totaled $161,046.83; Hazmat $6,808.24; 911 $12,490.90; hotel tax fund $256,563.59; domestic relations $5,128.49; and Children & Youth Services (CYS) $510,477.42, for a total of $956,314.47. “I did have to transfer $400,000 from the general fund to CYS to cover bills, and I’ll probably have to do that again soon,” Controller Edwards said. He added that the county previously transferred $2,000,000 from the operating reserve in the prior year to cover expenses and that the county’s reserves were about $4,000,000 with March and April tax receipts still expected.

The commissioners unanimously approved personnel changes including several hires (security guard, corrections officers), a new elections director and a new custodian effective March 3, 2025, a part-time deputy sheriff converted to full time, and listed separations and retirements. The board also approved multiple purchase-of-service and lease agreements, including placement/placement-provider agreements and a lease for the Treasure Lake polling location at Lakeview Lodge.

The board considered a tax appeal involving Seneca Resources (case number 2023-247-CD). The solicitor said the property includes two large tanks that were at issue in the appeal and that the agreement being considered would keep the tanks on the tax rolls. The commissioners authorized the county solicitor to sign a consent order in the Seneca appeal provided the Clearfield Area School District also approves the consent. The motion carried.

Other items the board approved included a funding agreement with the Clearfield County Economic Development Corporation to continue annual funding at $110,000, a transfer of a SPARK/community-mobilizer program from Sinclair to the League of Social Services (retroactive to Jan. 1, 2025), termination of the Sinclair agreement, and a resolution (2025-2) authorizing the sale of a surplus carport structure formerly at the jail. The board approved an IUP field-experience (internship) agreement for the probation department, purchase-of-service agreements with Community Specialists Corporation (New Outlook) and the Summit School, and a memorialized agreement for constable services with Constable Terrence Morgan.

Public comment included a resident, Jerry Akenbaum, who criticized budget transparency and the county’s messaging about a proposed tax increase and assessed-value changes. “If we had more specifics, people might be able to give you ideas where you could cut 5%,” Akenbaum said, and later questioned the timing of budget postings online. Commissioners responded that the proposed budget had been posted when announced and that a physical copy was available at the county office.

The solicitor reminded the public that petition circulation for local offices runs through March 11 and that proposals on an in‑home drug and alcohol treatment program are due this week; those proposals will be opened and reviewed but no action was taken at the meeting. The board adjourned at 11:02 a.m.

Votes at a glance - Approve minutes of 02/11/2025 meeting — approved (motion; unanimous “Aye”). - Approve bills as presented (total $956,314.47) — approved (motion; unanimous “Aye”); Controller reported a $400,000 transfer from general fund to CYS and noted prior transfer of $2,000,000 from operating reserve. - Approve personnel changes (hires, transfers, separations) — approved (motion; unanimous “Aye”). - Proclaim March 2025 as Meals on Wheels Month — approved (motion; unanimous “Aye”). - Authorize solicitor to sign consent order in Seneca Resources tax-appeal (case 2023-247-CD), contingent on school district approval — approved (motion; unanimous “Aye”). - Approve funding agreement with Clearfield County Economic Development Corporation ($110,000, same as prior years) — approved (motion; unanimous “Aye”). - Approve agreement with League of Social Services to assume SPARK/community mobilizer program (retroactive to 01/01/2025) and terminate Sinclair agreement — approved (motions; unanimous “Aye”). - Approve resolution 2025-2 authorizing sale of surplus carport structure — approved (motion; unanimous “Aye”). - Approve IUP field-experience (internship) agreement (probation department) — approved (motion; unanimous “Aye”). - Approve purchase-of-service agreements with Community Specialists Corporation (New Outlook), Summit School, and constable services with Terrence Morgan — approved (motion; unanimous “Aye”). - Approve lease agreement with Lakeview Lodge for Treasure Lake polling location — approved (motion; unanimous “Aye”).

Ending The commissioners scheduled no further votes at the meeting; the solicitor and staff noted deadlines for petition circulation and for proposals on the in‑home treatment program. Several commissioners encouraged residents interested in county or municipal office to contact the elections office.