Fulton County commissioners hear update on court-behavioral health partnership, approve routine invoices

Fulton County commissioners met Tuesday at the Commissioners' Office and heard from justice and behavioral health representatives about a collaborative effort that officials said has reduced local jail stays and yielded cost savings, then approved a series of routine administrative items including minutes, invoices and payroll.

Representatives described two recent initiatives — a mental-health court co-responder and a recovery supports navigator — and said those measures, supported through a mix of county mental-health funds and grants from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), have "increased deferrals to community-based treatment resources" and led to a noted reduction in the number of individuals incarcerated at the Bedford County Correctional Facility, producing measurable cost savings for the county. Commissioners said next steps include mapping available resources to support staff training and exploring supported-housing options for people exiting the criminal-justice system.

Interim County Treasurer Amy Bishop provided routine office updates and the board acted on several consent items. Motions approved included the Jan. 13, 2026 Commissioners' minutes and the Jan. 13 Salary Board minutes (motion by Commissioner Randy H. Bunch), an accounts-payable batch dated Jan. 20, 2026, totaling $159,968.15 (motion by Commissioner Hervey P. Hann), and payroll dated Jan. 23, 2026, totaling $126,747.73 (motion by Commissioner Hann). The accounts-payable motion included funds across the general fund and other restricted funds: General Fund $140,001.80; Liquid Fuels $7,356.00; SFC Technology Grant $183.59; Law Library $264.02; 911 $392.50; Hazmat $46.04; Domestic Relations $23.45; Capital Projects $2,291.00; Debt Service $6,594.03; Pass-thru Funds $2,815.72.

Also on the consent agenda, the board approved the 2026 CCAP Eighth Class dues invoice of $10,323.00 and authorized a credit card approval form for Prothonotary Stephanie Sherman. Insurance agent Bobby Snyder presented the 2026–2027 CCAP PCorP renewal application, which the board approved. Commissioners also approved a CCAP PComp second-installment invoice for $5,575.00 toward a total contribution of $22,300.00.

Services for Children Director Christine McQuade told the board she is pursuing a potential hire for a Caseworker II position and will obtain quotes for a printer and projector for the office. The board also recorded brief Safety Committee and Department Head meetings held earlier; separate minutes are on file.

The commissioners entered executive session twice during the meeting for personnel matters and reconvened each time; the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn at 1:36 p.m.

Actions taken at the meeting included unanimous approvals on motions listed above; where votes were recorded the minutes note "All in favor."