Clinton County commissioners approve contracts, send garbage-disposal bids to solicitor; DA highlights victim-notification program

The Clinton County Board of Commissioners met on Dec. 19, 2024, and approved several contracts and budget items while referring two bids for the county's garbage-disposal service to the county solicitor for review ahead of a future vote.

The board opened sealed bids for a three-year garbage-disposal contract and heard detailed line-item proposals. An unnamed presenter read Love's Garbage Disposal's proposal, which totaled $950 per month in the first year ($11,400 annually) and rose to $998.09 per month by year three ($11,977.08 annually). A second bid from JJ Peters Disposal quoted a first-year monthly total of $645 ($7,740 annually), holding steady into the second year and rising to $676.67 per month in year three ($8,120 annually). Commissioner-level discussion led to a motion that county staff and the solicitor review both bids and return a recommendation at the next voting session; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The board approved a PEMA (Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency) grant agreement providing $20,833 for 9-1-1 statewide interconnectivity funding for the Clinton County Department of Emergency Services and the county GIS department, effective through Dec. 31, 2025. Commissioner Snyder introduced the grant and secured approval by voice vote.

Several child-placement contracts were approved for the county Children and Youth Services Agency. The board approved a contract with Genesis Home of New Beginnings at a daily rate of $350 (effective Dec. 9, 2024–June 30, 2025) and a separate contract with Family Links, Inc., at a daily rate of $1,370.80 (effective Nov. 4, 2024–June 30, 2025). The Washington Assessment of Risks and Needs of Students (WARMs) contract for middle- and high-school assessments was approved at an annual fee of $500, effective Dec. 19, 2024.

The commissioners also approved a year-4 amendment to the Clinton County Correctional Facility contract with Prime Care Medical Inc., increasing the health-services contract by 3.2% to $1,545,969.55 annually, effective Jan. 1, 2025. A memorandum of understanding was approved allowing Clinton County to purchase clothing supplies and fixtures from the County of Snyder for $38,480. The board approved the 2025 Savin maintenance and service agreement with the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Institute at no cost to the county.

District Attorney David Strauss addressed the board about the PA 7 program, which he described as "essential" for victims. "For those that don't understand what the PA 7 program is, it's essentially a notification program for the victims of violent crime and domestic abuse," Strauss said. "It provides instant alerts to victims of violent crimes ... of any status change or custody change of any incarcerated individual or any individual who's charged." Strauss noted the program was currently available to Clinton County at no cost through the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Institute but cautioned that the funding may not be permanent.

Routine financial business included approval of county bills totaling $1,483,840.98 for the two-week period ending Dec. 19, 2024, and net payroll of $340,145.98 for the two-week period ending Dec. 20, 2024. The commissioners also approved a real-estate tax-assessment settlement. The meeting closed after brief commissioners' remarks and motions to adjourn were approved by voice vote.

The board generally approved each item by voice vote; individual roll-call tallies were not recorded in the transcript. The bids for garbage-disposal services were referred to the solicitor for review with a recommendation expected at the next voting session.