Blair Salary Board abolishes position

HOLLIDAYSBURG — The Blair County Salary Board has agreed to abolish a welder’s position in its highway/public works department and to create an administrative coordinator.

Director Paul Shaffer advised the board Thursday that he doesn’t plan to fill the vacant welder’s position in light of minimal need. He said the department has staff capable of handling smaller welding tasks.

Because the pay for the welder was budgeted at $20.65 an hour or $42,765 annually, the salary board agreed it would grant Shaffer’s request to create an administrative coordinator position. While he has been asking for the position, it wasn’t included in the 2025 budget.

The salary for the administrative coordinator’s position was set at $17.55 an hour or $31,941 annually.

Blair amends parking lease agreement

HOLLIDAYSBURG — Blair County has amended its agreement for the leasing of four parking spaces at 208 Union St. to start on July 1.

Commissioners Chairman Dave Kessling said the lease is connected to the anticipated closing of the employee parking garage for repair of deteriorated concrete. Kessling said during Thursday’s commissioners meeting that the closing is expected to last five to six months.

Commissioners have not yet identified a contractor or a cost for the renovations, although it was previously estimated at $1.5 million.

The cost of leasing four parking spaces at Union Street is $25 each or $100 per month.

Kessling said efforts are ongoing to identify other parking options for use when the garage is closed.

Commissioners OK youth center deal

HOLLIDAYSBURG — Blair County commissioners have approved a lease with the Central Counties Youth Center juvenile detention facilities for housing juveniles on an as-needed basis.

Juvenile Probation Director Joe Cox told commissioners that the contract won’t guarantee a bed is available, but if one is available for a Blair County youth, the price is $595 per day, with the potential for additional fees to address specific needs.

“This is another reason why we’re looking to build a prison,” commissioners Chairman Dave Kessling said.

Blair County Prison has limited space to house juveniles facing criminal charges and if it builds a new prison, a housing area could be created for young offenders. It closed its juvenile detention home in 2006.

The county’s lease with the Central Counties Youth Center, a 14-bed facility in Bellefonte, is valid from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

It’s the same rate that the facility and Blair County agreed to its 2024-25 lease.

Compiled by Kay Stephens