Blair County commissioners approve contracts, grants and $20,000 housing allocation; proclaim Pennsylvania 4‑H week

The Blair County Board of Commissioners on March 12 approved a series of routine contracts, grant acceptances and appointments and issued a proclamation recognizing Pennsylvania 4‑H Week.

The board voted to allocate $20,000 from the County Affordable Housing Trust Fund to Team Effort to support low‑to‑moderate‑income family home renovations. Scott Nervin, who identified himself as representing Team Effort, told commissioners the program this year expanded to a ninth week and said, “we're close to almost 600 people signed up” for camp and service projects. Harry Hauge, introduced by Nervin as a coordinator working with local churches, thanked the board for its annual support and described how roughly 15 to 20 churches provide meals and volunteer labor for the program.

The commissioners also renewed a contract with the Center for Community Action for housing assistance, case management and emergency shelter services through June 30, 2026, with a maximum contract amount of $350,000. A commissioner asked whether other agencies provide similar services; Social Services staff said the Center for Community Action is the primary agency used for the majority of those services.

Court administration requested and received approval to amend a contract with SecureTech Systems to install alarm panels at magisterial district judge offices and a satellite adult parole office. The court said it moved away from an Internet‑dependent platform to use…