Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the County Governance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners approve routine renewals: hearing officer contract, food program designation, veteran burials and children's services grants
Summary
At its Oct. 2 meeting the Elk County Board approved a five-year renewal for a domestic relations hearing officer, re-designated Northern Tier Community Action as lead for the Emergency Food Assistance Program, approved veteran burial benefits, and renewed two Children & Youth Services grants for 2025'2026.
During routine new-business items on Oct. 2, the Elk County Board of Commissioners approved several contract and grant renewals.
Domestic relations: Jasmine Peterson, director of domestic relations, requested renewal of a contract with Rebecca Dean to serve as the county's hearing officer for domestic relations cases from Oct. 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2030 at a rate of $150 per hour. Peterson explained the county's three-tier domestic relations process and said the hearing officer functions as an attorney-level reviewer when parties request a hearing. The board voted to approve the renewal by voice vote.
Emergency Food Assistance Program: The board approved a renewal agreement designating Northern Tier Community Action as the lead agency to administer the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) for Elk County for the 2025'2026 term. Chair said Northern Tier has administered the program for many years; the board approved the designation by voice vote.
Veterans affairs: Commissioners approved benefits for three veteran burials, one spouse burial and three veteran headstones as requested by the Veterans Affairs office.
Children & Youth Services: The board approved renewal of two grant-funded programs for the July 1, 2025'June 30, 2026 contract year: a family group decision-making program for $45,000 (a $25,000 decrease from the prior year) and a family reunification/redevelopment grant for $45,000 (a $20,000 increase). The chair said these requests are typically based on prior-year usage.
Why it matters: The hearing officer contract ensures legal-level review in domestic relations cases; TEFAP administration affects local food distribution networks; the veterans'benefit approvals provide burial assistance, and Children & Youth Services grants fund casework and family services.
Quote: "So, our county for domestic relations is what's called a three tier county... She can interpret the laws a little better. That would be her job... and then make a final decision," Jasmine Peterson said when describing the hearing officer role.
Ending: All items were approved by voice vote as part of routine business; the board adjourned and scheduled its next meeting for Oct. 16, 2025.
