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Berks County commissioners read multi‑item agenda: budgets, contracts, AI policy, farm loan noted
Summary
Chairman Leinbach read a long agenda that included 2026 budget transfers, three uniform contracts, HR appointments, a proposed bridge‑weight ordinance, a PCCD grant application for forensic science funding, CWEL graduate social‑work agreements, an AI policy effective 07/02/2026, and a $300,000 Next Generation Farm Loan for the Baltz family (administered regionally). The agenda was approved by voice vote with one abstention.
Chairman Leinbach read a multi-item agenda including authorization of 2026 budget transfers ($210,500) and 2026 appropriations ($11,990), three one‑year uniform contracts (McDonald Uniform — $58,314 estimated; Uniform City Inc — $116,595.29 estimated; Uniform Outfitters — $31,405.21 estimated), and several human resources actions including the appointment of Juliet Raybo Yar as judicial coordinator and a promotion for Stephanie Kofke.
Leinbach also read a resolution to advertise proposed Ordinance 02‑2026 amending county bridge weight limits, and a resolution authorizing the chair to execute a Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) grant application for National Forensic Science Improvement Act funding for the district attorney’s forensic science project (fiscal year 25–26). He read CWEL (child welfare education/licensure) agreements with the University of Pittsburgh for Janet Basilio Guerrero and Elizabeth Lessig to participate in graduate social‑work programs as outlined in “title 4 b part 1 of the Commonwealth's Child and Family Services Plan.”
The agenda also includes adoption of an artificial‑intelligence policy (section 11.12 of the HR policy manual) effective 07/02/2026 and approval of the County Human Services Plan Assurance of Compliance appendix A for the FY 26–27 human services block grant for mental‑health and developmental‑disabilities programs.
On a program item, Leinbach read a resolution to approve financing of $300,000 under the Next Generation Farm Loan Program for Benjamin and Emily Baltz (property at 716 Balthazar Road, Lenhartsville, Windsor Township). Leinbach noted this program is administered through the Chester County Economic Development Corporation and that none of the money comes from Berks County. Amanda Burkertzel briefly said the program helps the next generation take over farms.
The meeting recorded a motion to approve the agenda; the motion passed on a voice vote after commissioners were asked to signify verbally. Commissioner Michael Rivera said he would abstain on contract item number 9 because of his board membership on a related organization. Chairman Leinbach then read the treasurer’s report showing a general count total of $304,393,138.36, a balance to clear of $7,674,652.72 and a remaining balance of $296,718,485.59. Comptroller Joe Ruttero later reported accounts payable $6,881,874.47 and payroll $5,596,305.30 for total cash disbursements of $12,478,179.77 for the week ending 07/03/2026 and said the annual comprehensive financial report has been completed.
No individual agenda item was put for a separate recorded vote during the portions of the meeting in the transcript; several items were presented for authorization and will be taken up according to the county’s established process.
Next steps: items listed on the agenda are subject to further action as prescribed by county procedure; the commission completed a voice vote to approve the meeting agenda and proceeded with reports and public comment.
