HOLLIDAYSBURG — Blair County is restoring 10 jobs that were abolished at the end of 2024 when the positions were vacant and commissioners were trying to balance the 2025 budget.

President Judge Wade A. Kagarise, who objected to the abolishment, told the county Salary Board Thursday that he was forwarding $235,000 from the Offender Supervision Fee to cover the cost of 10 jobs — including seven county parole and probation officers — through the end of 2025.

While the judge made no financial commitment for 2026, he expressed hope of engaging in discussions to address future years.

“A strong parole and probation office goes a long way to do some very important things for the community, for public safety and toward keeping our community safe,” Kagarise said.

The office is tasked with monitoring adults required to follow court orders and conditions forbidding things like illegal drug and alcohol use, firearm possession, contact with victims and requiring compliance with things like having a job, engaging in treatment programs or fulfilling community service requirements.

While addressing the salary board, Kagarise spoke of having one-on-one meetings with its members prior to Thursday and believing that he came to the meeting with enough support to approve restoring the jobs.

“Those meetings established an extreme public safety need to fill all these positions,” the judge said.

In a series of 4-to-1 votes, the salary board agreed that as of June 1, the seven parole/probation officer jobs, and two administrative positions in the parole/probation office, will be restored. In addition, the board voted 4-to-1 to restore the custody receptionist position in the court administration office.

Kagarise garnered supportive votes from commissioners Dave Kessling and Laura Burke and Controller A.C. Stickel.

Commissioner Amy Webster voted “no” after stressing her desire to see the positions restored incrementally, so the value of adding jobs could be evaluated. Webster pointed out that since July 1, 2023, the county has been operating with no more than 12 parole and probation officers. Previously, it had as many as 19.

“I’m sure that adding one or two would be helpful but can we do that and evaluate the results … then see what we need to add or not need to add?” Webster suggested.

Stickel asked for assurance that the $235,000 would be sufficient to cover the expense through the end of 2025, because the 2025 budget didn’t allocate money for these jobs.

“I support the concept but I can’t support what I don’t believe is budgeted,” Stickel said.

Kessling, who also acknowledged concern with the cost, said he was satisfied with Kagarise’s answers and assurance.

“The reality is that I don’t have 10 people lined up to take these jobs effective June 1,” Kagarise admitted. “But I will give you my word that the court’s money will be available for 2025.”

Commissioner Laura Burke said that based on her experience with staffing in the Children, Youth & Families office, it’s more likely that the county won’t be able to hire everyone at the same time.

“I think there’s going to be a natural lag,” Burke said.

While the salary board agenda showed the pay for parole/probation officer positions at $16.30 an hour or $31,785 annually, county leaders indicated that a new rate is being negotiated with the United Mine Workers of America representing the court-related group of unionized employees.

The agenda also showed the parole/probation office administrative assistant job, a non-union position, pays $15.92 an hour. The parole/probation office aide position, showing a pay rate of $13.75 an hour, was also recognized as a union position with a new rate being negotiated.

Those interested in the positions can submit applications through the county’s website at www.blairco.org.

Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 814-946-7456.