Deborah L. Bates

Key discussion items included the presentation of the Wayne County Veterans Affairs annual report by the Director, highlighting significant growth in service utilization, such as a doubling of calls and increased case openings. The Commissioners acted on several administrative matters, including receiving correspondence regarding a permit application and accepting multiple letters of resignation and retirement from various county departments. Business considered involved the employee anniversary recognition for the Veterans Affairs Director, approval of the FY 2024-25 Financial Statement for Juvenile Probation, approval of the First Quarter CYS Act 148 report, ratification of a grant agreement with PEMA for 9-1-1 funding, and approval for the purchase of a precast concrete bridge system. The board also approved a new hire for the Transportation Department and subsequently recessed to hold a Salary Board meeting. Finally, motions were passed unanimously to approve routine bills for payment across General Fund, Transportation, Human Services Agency, Children and Youth, BDP/EI, 911, and Health Accounts. An update was also provided on the Wayne Tomorrow! program regarding a seedling sale and the annual Maple Tour.

The agenda for the meeting included receiving the Annual Wayne County Planning Commission Report and an update on the Wayne County Housing Study from the Wayne Tomorrow! Housing Task Force Chairman. Key actions involved a motion to ratify a DCED Contract for CDBG funds, approval of an Act 137 First Time Homebuyers' Grant, approval of a one-year contract with GovAI Software Solutions for the Public Defenders Office case management system, and an agreement with Urban Partners to conduct an updated Wayne County Housing Study. The Personnel Action/Salary Board agenda addressed the hiring of a Payroll Specialist, the promotion of a Deputy to Civil Sergeant in the Sheriff's Department, and a lateral transfer for a CYS County Caseworker. Other business included paying checks dated for the day of the meeting and scheduling a Retirement Board meeting.

The key discussions and actions during the meeting included the acceptance of three employee resignations. Employee anniversary recognition was held for a 15-year service employee in Transportation and a 10-year service employee in the Treasurer's Office. A 2026 Point In Time report showed two located homeless individuals, a decrease from the previous year. The Commissioners welcomed students from Waymart Mennonite School for a tour of county government functions. Actions taken included approving a letter of support for Hawley Borough's grant application, ratifying a contract for temporary physician services at the Correctional facility, hiring a new Clerk II for the Tax Claim Office, approving numerous bills and payments across various funds including General Fund, HSA, Children and Youth, BDP/EI, and 911. A Salary Board meeting was held separately. Litigation and personnel matters were discussed in executive sessions, and the progress on the Nelson Bridge replacement was noted.

The meeting included the Warden's report for December 2025, which noted that the year ended with 502 bookings, the highest in at least five years. Statistical reports were provided on bookings, outgoing mail, and inmate volunteer/counseling programs. The daily average for prison inmates was reported as 77. The board moved into an executive session regarding personnel, litigation, and contracts. In old business, the Warden noted a significant decrease in the Susquehanna County boarding number and reported that the prison is operating under the terms of the expired union contract. In new business, the Warden announced receipt of the 2025 Prison Inspection Report with a 100% rating. The installation of bunk beds purchased from Susquehanna County Prison was discussed, and the board unanimously agreed to a non-budgeted cost of approximately $6,600 for their fabrication and installation.

The meeting agenda included employee anniversary recognition, adoption of Resolution Number 29-01-2026, Salary Board meetings, payment of bills, and an executive session regarding litigation. Key actions included accepting the retirement letter of the Deputy Prothonotary and unanimous motions to terminate two county employees: a Children and Youth County Caseworker 2 and a Payroll Specialist. The Commissioners recognized MIS Director Eric Swendson for 20 years of service. Resolution Number 29-01-2026 was adopted authorizing an application for a Statewide LSA grant for a Conservation Education Center. Several personnel actions were taken, including hiring and promotions within Aging Care Management, Children and Youth Services, Transportation, and the Public Defender's Office. Various payments were approved, including general fund bills, transportation vouchers, Human Services Agency payments, Behavioral and Developmental Programs/Early Intervention payments, 911 service payments, and Health Account claims/fees. An executive session was held to discuss litigation, and staff who worked during a snowstorm closure were thanked.