The Mercer County Salary Board on July 2, 2026 approved minutes from June 4, 2026 and approved eliminating two vacant full-time auditor positions in the Controller’s Office with a contract for auditing services to begin July 4, 2026.

Discussion Points

•Commissioner Coleman stated the CPA firm cost is lower than filling the positions.
•Controller Sherman stated two Auditor positions are unfilled and an external contract is needed to avoid interruption in audit work.
•Human Resources confirmed the two Auditor positions are vacant.

Decisions

•Approve minutes from June 4, 2026 via Resolution 2026-32
•Approve Resolution 2026-33; effective date 07/04/2026; contract to be finalized.

Directions

•Authorize contracting auditing services with Hill Barth & King.
•Eliminate two full‑time Auditor positions effective 07/04/2026.

Jul

Read Approved Minutes

Regular meeting of the Mercer County Board of Commissioners on July 2, 2026 covered routine approvals, contracts and grants, a readvertisement of a data-center land‑use ordinance, distribution of human services funds, an audit contract approval with one dissent, and a $61,000 opioid‑settlement award for a youth substance‑abuse prevention project.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners emphasized high equipment costs for 911 centers and the preference for fee financing over property taxation.
•Controller Sherman opened and announced 16 sealed bids for the Agricultural and Conservation Community Learning Center Project.
•Deputy Director reported low contamination and regular emptying at sites.
•Planning director reported publication error with Sharon Herald that prevented legal notice from running.
•Project uses equine‑assisted therapy to reduce youth risk factors.
•Scope of audits and not‑to‑exceed caps listed in resolution.
•Specific distribution amounts to United Way, Jail, and Area Agency on Aging were noted.

Decisions

•Accept tentative allocation and preliminarily allocate funds.
•Approve advertisement and reissue legal notice.
•Approve dispatcher chair lease.
•Approve grant‑funded expenditures.
•Approve HBK auditing services despite one dissent.
•Approve issuance of $61,000 to Trails End Conservancy.

Directions

•Advocate to state legislators for 911 fee increase.
•Distribute funds promptly per commissioner request.
•Planning commission to re‑advertise notice and schedule public hearing.

Jun

Read Approved Minutes

Mercer County Commissioners voted unanimously on multiple resolutions June 18, 2026, including opioid-settlement funding agreements with local recovery and prevention organizations, purchase contracts for county communications towers, acceptance and subrecipient agreement for a $120,000 Emergency Solutions Grant for AWARE, and several personnel and procurement actions.

Discussion Points

•Commissioner Coleman noted the funding continues existing advertising work and thanked the Opioid Advisory Committee.
•Commissioner Finley noted this is one of seven tower sites for the county radio system and discussed leasing potential.
•Commissioner McGonigle expressed support for leasing only when it would not compete with private towers.

Decisions

•Approval of both tower contracts and bonding payment source.
•Approvals of listed agreements and payments from the Opioid Settlement Fund.

Jun

Read Approved Minutes

Mercer County Prison Board met June 16, 2026. Warden Mac McDuffie reported May counts (184 commitments, 166 releases; average daily population 191) and the board approved soliciting bids to replace a leaking hot water tank after hearing a $22,000 parts estimate and a 2020 reference cost of $32,000 for six tanks.

Discussion Points

•He referenced a 2020 replacement of six tanks for a total of $32,000 and said replacement may be more cost‑effective than repair.
•Motion to approve minutes; motion to authorize soliciting bids after Warden's presentation of cost estimates.
•Warden described leaking tank and provided a parts cost estimate of roughly $22,000 (installation/labor not included).
•Warden reported May commitments, releases, and average daily population.

Decisions

•Both motions approved by unanimous voice vote.
•Motion to solicit bids approved by unanimous voice vote

Directions

•Board authorized staff to solicit bids for replacement.

Jun

Read Approved Minutes

The Neshannock Creek Watershed Joint Municipal Authority met June 9, 2026; members approved routine minutes, approved payment of bills, received a Plantation Park update, heard an engineer update on the SR19 sewer project including a decision to charge monthly fees once tap fees are paid, and reviewed operator maintenance issues.

Discussion Points

•Board confirmed invoices and authorized payment.
•Engineer noted capacity constraints and necessary pump‑station and generator upgrades to serve additional development.
•Engineer reported Plantation Park flows at 44 EDUs year‑to‑date.
•One pump replaced, two repaired; generator relays infested with ants and require replacement.
•Operator questioned Cummins mileage charges and referenced prior portable generator agreement.
•Operator reported plant flows of 92,000 gallons per day and plant compliance with permit limits.
•Pennvest guarantee approved by Springfield Township on 2026-06-01; Pennvest rules about three‑inch line replacements noted.
•Plant operated within permit limits with average flows of 92,000 gpd.
•Property owner asked whether monthly fees start upon tap‑fee payment; board discussed and voted to require payments upon tap‑fee payment even if not connected.
•Public comment from Plantation Park about line/excess water progress.
•Treasurer presented reconciled bank statements and itemized vendor payments.

Decisions

•Approved treasurer's report and payment of bills.
•Board voted to require monthly fees to begin once tap fees are paid.

Directions

•Engineer to prepare cost estimates for pump station upgrades and generator replacement.
•Follow up with vendor on relay replacement and mileage charges.
•Staff to send Pennvest fact sheet to affected SR19 property owners.

Jun

Read Approved Minutes

Mercer County Board of Commissioners met June 4, 2026; the board approved meeting minutes, several proclamations and refunds, multiple vendor and service agreements (notably extensive Children & Youth Services contracts), personnel actions and union-related items, awarded and rejected construction bids, authorized bridge work and jail fire-system repairs, approved MH/ID agreements and a DCED grant application, and heard public comment about a proposed women & children’s shelter expansion.

Discussion Points

•DCED grant would fund SOP development and a compensation analysis; county will prioritize compensation if partial funding.
•Introductions and recognitions including Mary Mitchell as July 4 grand marshal.
•Joshua’s Haven intends to expand services to include a women and children’s shelter and plans to construct an addition at its current location.
•Listing of specific provider rates and contract terms for placement and services.
•List of hires and transfers across jail, public defender and CYS.
•RFP timeline and bid opening for Munnell Run Farm Learning Center announced.
•Scope of MH/ID services delivered by subrecipient and lease terms.
•Scope of testing and repair items and total contract dollar amount.
•Single bid for 4H renovation considered potentially overpriced; decision to re-advertise.
•Tentative settlement reached with deputy sheriff union pending signature.

Decisions

•Approval of CYS provider agreements and rate schedule.
•Approval of minutes and several proclamations.
•Approve HR actions; authorize tentative MCDSA agreement.
•Approve MH/ID agreements and lease; authorize DCED grant application.
•Authorize S.A. Comunale to perform the specified testing and repairs.
•No formal county action taken at this meeting; comment recorded.
•Reject Troy Jay Construction bid; award flooring contract; advertise RFP.

Jun

Read Approved Minutes

The Mercer County Salary Board met June 4, 2026, approved the May 21, 2026 meeting minutes and authorized the hire of Chaney Tucker Hoyle as Domestic Relations Supervisor effective June 8, 2026 at $25.75 per hour. No other new or old business was recorded and the board adjourned.

Decisions

•Approved hiring of Chaney Tucker Hoyle as Domestic Relations Supervisor effective 06/08/2026
•Approved minutes (Resolution 2026-030); meeting adjourned

May

Read Approved Minutes

Mercer County Board of Commissioners convened on May 21, 2026, and approved routine minutes and proclamations, opened a single sealed bid for a child-youth services (CYS) flooring RFP, adopted the county comprehensive plan, approved multiple bridge and vendor contracts (including federal reimbursements), and authorized grant submissions and tower leases for the new public-safety radio system.

Discussion Points

•Becky Bruno described focus on technology improvements and victim safety across several offices.
•Board reviewed a list of vendors and unit rates for CYS placements and services.
•Commissioner Finley noted the Otter Creek site is one of seven towers in the plan and emphasized moving sites forward following load-study findings.
•Commissioners noted federal funding source, quantity adjustments, and right-of-way needs.
•Commissioners thanked Executive Director Doniele Russell for leading the plan work; both CDBG revisions are ready for construction or substantially complete.
•Controller Sherman reported one sealed bid from Marett Carpet One for $102,308.00.
•Resolutions listed specific items for sale and set bid deadlines; one disposal approved where no bids were received.

Decisions

•Comprehensive plan adopted; CDBG reallocations approved.
•Contracts and reimbursements approved; deposit for condemnation authorized.
•Grant application authorized.
•Leases and structural work authorized.
•No award decided; procurement process to continue.
•Resolutions adopted to enter into provider agreements for the 2025–26 term.
•Sale and disposal actions authorized.

May

Read Approved Minutes

The Mercer County Salary Board met May 21, 2026, approved the April 30, 2026 minutes and a personnel transfer placing Lainey Hoffman in a Domestic Relations enforcement officer position at PA04-01-01 ($20.50/hr); no other business was raised.

Discussion Points

•HR Director Angela Sorg advised the board the prior position lacked a pay scale and the receiving position is on the P&A scale.
•Minutes approved; no Old Business or New Business recorded.

Decisions

•Approved minutes (RESOLUTION 2026-028)
•Approved transfer of Lainey Hoffman to Domestic Relations enforcement officer, effective 05/18/2026
•Motion to adjourn accepted

May

Read Approved Minutes

Minutes of the Neshannock Creek Watershed Joint Municipal Authority meeting on May 12, 2026 covering approval of the SR19 South Sewer Project contracts and financing motions, routine financial and operations reports, a public comment about 27 Cassidy Drive, and several resolutions and administrative appointments.

Discussion Points

•Board accepted treasurer's offer to make invoices and bank statements available for review.
•Board discussed contractor insurance deadlines and contingency for Contract #3.
•Both pumps were replaced.
•Engineer reported settlement date of 7/17/2026 for Pennvest loan and recommended sending fact sheet to property owners.
•Motion to appoint Shipton; no discussion recorded.
•Public commenter said two connections are planned at 27 Cassidy Drive but only one is ready now.
•Treasurer reported account balances and reconciled statements.
•Two grinder pump call-outs at McMillan Rd. and South Erie St.

Decisions

•Adopted Resolutions 02-2026, 03-2026, 04-2026; approved Legal Services Agreement; approved Contracts #1 and #2 and Contract #3 contingent on insurance.
•Appointment approved unanimously.
•Approved treasurer's report and payment of May bills.

Directions

•Staff to apply to USDA for required consents or subordination.
•Staff to clarify policy on paying one tap fee now and a second fee later and report back.
•Staff to prepare notices to affected property owners after June meeting; open Pennvest account at First National Bank.
•Staff to update records and signatory lists as needed.
•Treasurer to verify and correct the corrupted expense total in the minutes.

Apr

Read Approved Minutes

The Mercer County Salary Board met April 30, 2026, and unanimously approved three routine personnel actions: minutes from April 16, creation of a temporary part‑time seasonal intern position in the Tax Assessment Department (effective May 18, 2026), and the hire of Taitem Kretz as Assistant Director of Tax Assessment (effective May 11, 2026) at PA08-03-01 ($60,689/yr.).

Discussion Points

•Approval of new hire Taitem Kretz, effective 05/11/2026, at PA08-03-01 ($60,689/yr.).
•Creation of a temporary seasonal intern position in Tax Assessment Department, rated ENVI 1-10-00, effective 05/18/2026.

Decisions

•Approved minutes (Resolution 2026-025).
•Approved Resolution 2026-026.
•Approved Resolution 2026-027.

Apr

Read Approved Minutes

The Mercer County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting April 30, 2026, approving multiple contracts and resolutions, accepting state grant funding for indigent defense, reviewing CDBG reallocations and personnel actions, and advancing sites and leases for a countywide public-safety radio project.

Discussion Points

•Fixed commodity price and contract term specified; no cost projections provided at meeting.
•Indigent defense funding source and non‑supplanting requirement; Treatment Court funds for training and participant incentives.
•Municipal councils approved reallocations; county action finalizes county-level approval.
•Need for multiple tower sites to improve radio coverage; Jefferson Township law enforcement experiencing coverage problems.
•Single sealed bid received and opened; details required for award decision.

Decisions

•Accept indigent defense award; submit AOPC application for Treatment Court funds.
•Approve commodity master agreement with NRG.
•Approve contract revisions as requested by municipalities.
•Approve lease with Jefferson Township; renew short-term Vernon Road tower lease.
•No award taken at the meeting.

Directions

•Proceed with contract execution and scheduling by purchasing/facilities.
•Proceed with lease and site preparations; coordinate construction scheduling.
•Procurement to evaluate bid and return recommendation for award if responsive.
•Public Defender’s Office and IPP to process grant paperwork and program budgets.
•Regional Planning to process contract amendments and update budgets.

Apr

Read Approved Minutes

Mercer County Prison Board convened April 21, 2026. The board approved minutes and heard reports: the warden reported March population statistics and an upcoming NCCHC inspection and a new subpoena requirement for inmate phone recordings; the IPP director reported program referrals, completion figures and community-service savings.

Discussion Points

•$1,000 in domestic-violence fees collected
•565 community-service hours completed; estimated $4,000 savings
•Approval of February minutes (March meeting canceled)
•Approval of IPP report
•Approval of Warden's report
•Facility preparing for PrimeCare NCCHC inspection next week
•IPP: 75 referrals, 59 successful completions, 10 failures in March
•March population: 190 commitments, 185 releases, average daily population 202
•No committee reports, new business, old business, or vendor requests
•Policy: law enforcement must obtain subpoenas for inmate phone recordings
•Total caseload reported as 555 clients

Decisions

•All motions approved by unanimous voice vote
•Board approved the IPP report by unanimous voice vote
•Board approved the Warden's report by unanimous voice vote

Apr

Read Approved Minutes

Mercer County Salary Board met April 16, 2026 and approved a series of personnel reclassifications, the elimination and creation of GIS-related positions, approval of prior minutes, and noted two Assistant Manager reclassification requests did not meet requirements. All items recorded votes; one reclassification drew a single 'No' vote from Controller Sherman.

Discussion Points

•Board recorded that submitted reclassification requests did not meet requirements; the transcript provides no detail on criteria or appeals.
•Multiple reclassifications and one elimination and one creation of a GIS-related position; all motions passed unanimously and included effective dates (04/18–04/19/2026).
•None beyond motion to approve minutes.
•Whether the reclassification applies to the current vacant Fiscal Manager position (Controller Sherman asked, Commissioner Coleman confirmed).

Decisions

•Approve minutes
•Approve reclassifications and staffing changes for Tax Assessment Department.
•Approve reclassification to PA07 effective 2026-04-19
•Approve reclassification to TCC08 effective 2026-04-19
•Record denial of reclassification requests.

Apr

Read Approved Minutes

Mercer County Board of Commissioners met April 16, 2026. Commissioners approved routine resolutions including proclamations, contracts, a $500,000 PHFA grant for a veterans housing renovation, several public-safety and infrastructure contracts, personnel actions, and authorized an RFP for countywide housing rehabilitation.

Discussion Points

•Audit intended to identify energy improvements and operational changes
•Change order adds hydrocarbon-resistant geomembrane wrap to protect EPS
•Current contract expires in December; procurement must begin now
•Eventide system records all dispatch communications; small price increase noted
•Funding sources for each item were identified (Fund 244, 250, 100, 322)
•Handbook update recognized and HR staff thanked
•Library services and chamber events described by presenters
•Need for veteran housing in the county; project addresses shortage
•No cost to county emphasized in resolution materials
•Personnel details (rates, steps, effective dates) were provided in resolution materials
•Policy adoption corrects prior omission and strengthens controls
•Project original bid total listed in materials
•Questions raised about payment timing and grant administration
•Sheriff noted prior grant applications and intended uses for the new vehicle

Decisions

•Accept PHFA PHARE grant and related funds for Chavers Center renovation (Resolution #2026-163)
•Adopt handbook; approve personnel actions
•Approve change order
•Approve energy audit agreement
•Approve maintenance renewals and equipment purchases
•Approve proclamations; accept Firehouse Public Safety Foundation grant
•Authorize RFP; adopt vendor verification policy; adopt Guidebook

Directions

•Board to coordinate audit scope and follow-up schedule with McClure Company
•Publish RFP; return to Board for award May 21
•Staff to provide payment/process information to the Housing Authority

Apr

Read Approved Minutes

The Neshannock Creek Watershed Joint Municipal Authority met April 14, 2026. Board members approved minutes and bills, reviewed engineer and operator reports including awards for the SR19 South sanitary sewer project and a Pennvest pre-settlement schedule, heard a public comment about excess water at Plantation Park, and discussed several service-connection requests.

Discussion Points

•Bid opening results reviewed; project-cost summary presented; customer list and EDU counts explained.
•Craft will subdivide a two-acre parcel at 27 Cassidy Drive and seek sewer connection.
•Dan recommended filing three Applications for Sewer Service and provided contractor contact instructions.
•Detailed account balances and vendor list reviewed.
•Grinder-pump ownership and maintenance will transfer to the Authority after customer purchase/installation.
•Owner requested relief; staff explained constraints due to outstanding debt.
•Shipton confirmed reconciliation with QuickBooks and availability of invoices for review.
•Staff described option to request EDU reduction and the tap-fee implication if EDUs are later restored.
•Update on progress to correct excess-water conditions at Plantation Park.

Decisions

•Board approved contract awards contingent on bonds and insurance; schedule and settlement dates noted.
•Board approved treasurer's report and payment of bills.

Directions

•Dan to attend Pennvest call on 2026-04-20 with Karen and provide bid results and supporting materials.
•Dan to prepare grinder-pump agreements and a fact sheet for the May meeting.
•Karen to provide contact information to the property owner.
•Karen to send Applications for Sewer Service to Susan Craft.

Apr

Read Approved Minutes

On April 2, 2026, the Mercer County Salary Board met and approved minutes and a series of personnel actions, including creation of multiple bridge department positions, a reclassification in Human Resources, creation of a jail office coordinator role, and a staff transfer to the District Attorney's office; most actions take effect April 12, 2026.

Discussion Points

•Minutes record the motion and vote; no further discussion captured.
•Minutes record the transfer motion and vote; no further discussion captured.
•No additional discussion recorded in minutes.
•No substantive debate recorded; resolution moved and approved.
•No substantive discussion recorded in the minutes beyond the motion and vote.
•Roll call and member attendance recorded; no further debate recorded.

Decisions

•Minutes approved
•Office Coordinator position approved
•Position created
•Position reclassified
•Transfer approved
•Two trainee positions approved

Apr

Read Approved Minutes

Mercer County Board of Commissioners met April 2, 2026, and approved routine minutes, multiple proclamations, personnel actions, contracts and grant-related agreements, and several infrastructure and public-safety contracts; notable items included an agricultural conservation easement purchase, an $8 million temporary cash-advance authorization, and a $3.035 million tower construction services agreement.

Discussion Points

•Board approved software purchase to centralize departmental budgeting and increase transparency.
•Board described the purchase as a preservation tool; no public comments recorded for this item.
•Commissioner Coleman explained to media that the county annually loans from operating reserves until taxes arrive.
•Commissioner Coleman said projects are grant-funded; Commissioner Finley clarified there are two facilities on the grounds.
•Commissioner Finley described this as the construction phase of the public-safety radio project.
•Commissioner McGonigle moved the amendment; no dissent recorded.
•Commissioner McGonigle noted replacement of prior engineer (deceased) and that Delta Development Group secured grant funding for the project.
•Commissioners presented proclamations, approved HR actions, refunds and routine contracts; employee handbook update tabled.

Decisions

•Amended internal loan authorization up to $8,000,000 with explicit fund sources.
•Approved engineering agreement not to exceed $90,000 plus reimbursables, funded by ARPA CPF grant.
•Approved increased opioid-settlement funding to Bethel Life Center for recovery programming.
•Approved one-year ClearGov contract at $48,305.
•Approved purchase of development rights for 149.33 acres; county share $19,330.00.
•Authorized Professional Services Agreement for construction and environmental services at four tower sites.
•Authorized RFP advertisement and set bid deadline of April 30, 2026.
•Multiple routine items approved by unanimous vote; select items tabled.

Mar

Read Approved Minutes

The Mercer County Board of Commissioners met March 12, 2026, and approved routine minutes, proclamations, personnel actions, vendor contracts and multiple grant applications; commissioners also signed a tax assessment appeal settlement that substantially reduced a commercial property assessment. No public comment was recorded.

Discussion Points

•Act 101 application estimates 50% reimbursement; SWAN mini grant requires no county match.
•Commissioner reports included reminders about licensing dogs and upcoming elections timeline.
•HR hires and transfers were presented in the resolution text; no extended discussion recorded.
•Settlement terms and assessed-value change recorded by resolution; no on-record debate or fiscal impact analysis included.
•There was a short announcement regarding K9 Taz's upcoming birthday; no public comments on agenda items were recorded.
•Vendor names, amounts and funding sources recorded; no technical discussion recorded.

Decisions

•Approved both grant applications.
•Approved HR actions as listed.
•Approved purchases as listed.
•Approved settlement reducing assessed value to $166,650.00.
•Multiple resolutions approved as listed; no further directives noted in the transcript.

Mar

Read Approved Minutes

The Neshannock Creek Watershed Joint Municipal Authority met March 10, 2026. Members approved the agenda and minutes, heard budget and operational reports (including flows and vendor payments), reviewed SR19 project timing and Pennvest coordination, rejected a resident's request to waive sewer fees, and adjourned at 8:20 AM.

Discussion Points

•Agenda and minutes approved unanimously.
•Board voted to deny the request without recorded conditions.
•Dan stated advertising costs would be tracked for potential Pennvest reimbursement.
•Detailed balances for three accounts and vendor invoice list were presented.
•Engineer reported Plantation Park averaged 35 EDUs for the first two months and sewage flows were filed.
•January flow 78,000 gpd and permit compliance.
•Meeting opened with pledge and recording noted.
•Request by Aaron Burnworth to waive sewer fees.
•Two grinder-pump service calls and one connection recorded.

Decisions

•Approve agenda and minutes; adjourn at 8:20 AM.
•Approve treasurer's report and pay submitted bills.
•Deny the waiver request; no further relief recorded.
•Set bid opening at 11:00 AM on 3/26/2026 at the Findley Township Municipal Building; review bids at April meeting.

Directions

•Administrator to record the board decision in the customer account.
•Engineer to track advertising costs and attend Pennvest phone call on 4/20/2026.

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