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Venango County approves wide-ranging human services renewals, including $1.16 million Early Head Start grant
Summary
The Venango County Commissioners approved renewal contracts covering mental-health, substance-use, senior meals, ID supports and an Early Head Start grant totaling $1,158,874; the Human Services agenda passed unanimously.
The Venango County Commissioners on June 9 approved a package of human services contract renewals and grants that county officials said will fund treatment, senior services and early‑childhood programming in the coming fiscal year.
Commissioner Timothy Heffernan moved to approve the Human Services Agenda (Attachment C) and Commissioner Kenneth J. Bryan seconded; the motion passed with all commissioners voting aye. County staff presented multiple renewals and program maxima across services for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 (dates vary by contract).
Key approvals include a Community Services of Venango County contract to manage county senior centers ($221,820) and hot-delivered meals ($149,750) for a combined maximum of $371,570, with a separate reimbursement authorization for Parker Place up to $11,200. The board renewed a contract to operate the Early Head Start program with a maximum grant amount of $1,158,874.
Behavioral‑health and substance‑use services approved included a renewal for The Pointe to operate a drop‑in center, warm line and café in Oil City (contract max $160,900) and a renewal for Alpine Springs Rehabilitation & Recovery Center, LLC to provide residential services and withdrawal management (detox) for the January–June 2026 period at the stated rates in the contract summary. Hand in Hand Christian Counseling’s renewal covers operation of three residential homes for individuals with serious mental illness with specified maximum reimbursements for each residence and program components (Challenge Center, mobile psych rehab, L.I.S.T.E.N.).
Other items on the Human Services list included renewal of Community Resources for Independence personal‑care services ($24.04/hour), a Greenfield Counseling outpatient methadone rate ($95/week), CHAPS peer‑support services at $36.81 per 15‑minute unit, Sugar Valley Lodge emergency housing at $70/day, and AVANCO software and consulting fees for county child‑welfare systems (quarterly and fixed fees; consulting not to exceed $10,000).
The board also authorized a renewal with the City of Oil City Police Department for emergency transport services to UPMC Northwest, agreeing to reimburse necessary officer overtime at 1.5 times the officer’s hourly pay plus any other required statutory or contractual costs.
A series of State Food Purchase Program and TEFAP memoranda of understanding for local food pantries and Community Services of Venango County were presented for distribution of USDA foods and approved. County staff also noted a small addendum authorizing Family Services & Children’s Aid Society to purchase a vehicle for the Family Recovery Program, and the board ratified an agreement with Cornell Abraxas Group, LLC.
The Human Services agenda items were approved as presented; many contract periods begin July 1, 2026, while some earlier short‑term renewals cover January–June 2026. The board did not record dissenting votes on these items.
