Blair County commissioners approve 2026 budget, contracts and authorize eminent-domain ad for Bridge 33

Blair County commissioners on Thursday approved the county's 2026 general fund and reserve budgets, signed off on multiple contracts and reappointments, accepted a $15,000 grant for an emergency-management drone program and authorized advertising an ordinance that would start eminent-domain proceedings for a 0.3-acre parcel needed for the Bridge 33 project.

The meeting began at 10 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and routine business. Commissioners voted to approve minutes from the Nov. 13 meeting and moved through a consent agenda that included payroll ratification of $946,593.89 (paycheck dated Nov. 14, 2025), ECMS invoices related to the Bridge 33 and Bridge 73 projects and several board and conservation-district reappointments. The consent agenda and subsequent items passed by voice vote; one commissioner recorded an abstention on a reappointment that involved themselves.

Court administration asked the board to approve an umbrella contract for all certified court interpreters under the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) certification program and AOPC-set rates, replacing individual contracts. Sam, court administration, said consolidating interpreter services "will save time, save money for you and everyone else involved." Commissioners approved the contract and discussed encouraging local residents who are fluent to pursue AOPC certification.

Public-safety staff requested and the board accepted a $15,000 Norfolk Southern Safety First grant to support the Bel Air Emergency Management Authority drone program. Staff said the award will fund one drone and that the program remains "about $10,000 short of completing the whole project" to acquire a second drone and associated equipment; policies and procedures for flight operations are nearly finalized. The board acknowledged grant staff, including Sherry Sosey, for their work securing funding.

The board approved renewal of the juvenile probation department's electronic monitoring contract with Track Group at a rate of $5.50 per device per day for Oct. 1, 2025–Sept. 30, 2026; finance staff said the rate is unchanged from prior years. Public works secured approval of six sale-deed agreements and temporary easements needed for Bridge 33 and authorized Commissioner David Kesseling to sign closing documents so necessary bridge work can proceed.

Finance staff asked the board to approve exclusive letters of authorization giving third parties responsibility to manage the county's natural gas and electric programs; the board approved contracts to move management to new vendors. Finance also asked to reduce committed general-fund balances from $160,186 to $0 after post-employment obligations related to Valley View Home were removed; commissioners approved the reduction and then approved the introduced 2026 general fund and reserve account budgets. Staff noted the full budget introduction packet is available online and at county offices.

Social services administrator Tricia Johnson won approval to sign and submit the Department of Human Services' 2026 annual opt-out notification form for assisted outpatient treatment. Johnson also obtained authorization for Commissioner David Kesseling, as chief elected official, to sign Tier 2 site-specific environmental-review records and exempt-status determination forms for several federal fiscal-year 2024 CDBG projects, including economic development, microenterprise assistance and removal of architectural barriers at the Balaguerre Public Library. The board approved a software update quote from HSS Systems dated Nov. 13, 2025, for $875 to add a purchase order number and a contract table.

County staff asked the board to advertise an ordinance signifying the county's intent to take by eminent domain a 0.3-acre parcel in Logan Township required for Bridge 33. Staff said the parcel's owners are deceased and no next of kin was located; the parcel would be taken into county custody pending statutory claim processes. Commissioners approved advertising the ordinance.

There was no old business. The meeting adjourned after a motion and second. The board's next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. in the same meeting room.

Votes at a glance

- Approve meeting minutes (Nov. 13, 2025): approved by voice vote. - Consent agenda (Resolution 526-2025; payroll $946,593.89; ECMS invoices; reappointments): approved; one abstention recorded on a reappointment. - Umbrella AOPC interpreter contract: approved. - Accept Norfolk Southern Safety First grant ($15,000) for EMA drone program: approved. - Renew Track Group electronic-monitoring agreement ($5.50/day/device, 10/01/2025–09/30/2026): approved. - Approve six sale deeds/temporary easements for Bridge 33 and authorize Commissioner David Kesseling to sign: approved. - Exclusive letters of authorization for county natural gas and electric program managers: approved. - Reduce committed general-fund balances from $160,186 to $0: approved. - Approve 2026 general fund and reserve account budgets: approved. - Tricia Johnson authorized to sign DHS opt-out notice; Commissioner Kesseling authorized to sign CDBG environmental records: approved. - HSS Systems software quote ($875): approved. - Advertise ordinance to take by eminent domain a 0.3-acre parcel in Logan Township (Bridge 33): approved. - Adjourn: approved.