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Potter County commissioners adopt LERTA ordinance, hear economic development pilot and approve contracts and hires
Summary
At their Jan. 23 meeting, Potter County commissioners unanimously adopted Ordinance #1 of 2025 (LERTA), heard a presentation on a Sight Promotions pilot intended to attract new businesses to vacant storefronts, and approved multiple contracts, fiscal summaries and personnel actions.
Potter County Commissioners on Jan. 23 unanimously approved Ordinance #1 of 2025, implementing Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA), and reviewed a county planning department pilot aimed at boosting residential and commercial activity.
GIS/Planning/Community Development Director Will Flunt provided the board with an update on the Sight Promotions Pilot Program, which the department has advanced since early 2021. Flunt said the pilot pairs LERTA tax assistance with promotional tools — including window clings for vacant storefronts — intended to attract prospective businesses. He identified partners on the pilot as the Northeast Pennsylvania Economic Development Association, Mountain Valley Realty, Square One Design and Northern Potter School District and said the department is seeking to streamline access to blight-removal funding to offer grants, loans or a combination to support new businesses.
Commissioner Roben Rossman moved to adopt Ordinance #1 of 2025 (the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act). Commissioner Paul IIeimel seconded the motion; Commissioners Rossman, IIeimel and Nancl Grupp voted yes, and the ordinance passed.
The commissioners also approved the Final Strategic Management Program Plan (STMP) from Katerlin Strategies and adopted Resolution #2 of 2025 authorizing governing bodies. An intergovernmental agreement was approved to authorize electronic access to PENNDOT systems.
On contracts and agreements, the board approved a professional services contract for Debra Sue Lehman to provide clearing services for the Shinglehouse District Judge Office at a weekly rate of $20 (effective Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2025) and an inspection agreement with Davis Ulmer Fire Protection for fire monitoring at the Potter County Annex for March 1, 2025–Feb. 28, 2026, at an annual fee of $57,500. Each item was moved, seconded and carried by recorded unanimous votes.
Personnel matters included acknowledgment of the hire of Billie Jean Cuinther as a full-time Deputy II in the Prothonotary’s office, effective Jan. 21, 2025, and acceptance of the amended resignation of Kara Amidon, Program Specialist I with Potter County Human Services, effective Jan. 10, 2025.
Staff presented county fiscal summaries and accounts-payable reports for Jan. 10 and Jan. 21, 2025; the board moved and approved the financial items, including checks and payroll summaries. The meeting concluded after a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously.
Votes at a glance: Ordinance #1 of 2025 (LERTA) — moved by Commissioner Roben Rossman, seconded by Commissioner Paul IIeimel; outcome: approved (Rossman yes; IIeimel yes; Grupp yes). Final STMP approval — moved by Commissioner Roben Rossman, seconded by Commissioner Nancl Grupp; outcome: approved (unanimous). Resolution #2 of 2025 — moved by Commissioner Roben Rossman, seconded by Commissioner Nancl Grupp; outcome: approved (unanimous). PENNDOT access agreement — moved by Commissioner Nancl Grupp, seconded by Commissioner Paul IIeimel; outcome: approved (unanimous). Debra Sue Lehman contract — moved by Commissioner Paul IIeimel, seconded by Commissioner Roben Rossman; outcome: approved (unanimous). Davis Ulmer inspection agreement — moved by Commissioner Roben Rossman, seconded by Commissioner Paul IIeimel; outcome: approved (unanimous). Personnel acknowledgments (hire/resignation) — approved (unanimous).
The board did not take public testimony on contentious policy changes during the meeting; staff were directed to continue implementation work on the Sight Promotions pilot and to provide contact information for business inquiries to the planning office. The meeting adjourned after unanimous approval of the final motion.
