Dauphin County

The legislative meeting included proceedings where the Commissioners approved minutes for previous workshop and legislative meetings from June 26, 2024, and approved minutes for the June 26, 2024, salary board meeting. An executive session was held on July 9th to obtain legal counsel regarding the proposed maximum parameters ordinance for General Obligation Notes Series A and B of 2024, involving PFM for financial advice. Following public participation, a presentation covered debt restructuring components aimed at addressing potential budget deficits for 2025 and beyond. This restructuring involves issuing up to $84 million in notes (anticipated around $74 million) to refund and restructure 2017 and 2020 bonds, finance capital projects, and fund capitalized interest. The Commissioners subsequently adopted Ordinance Number Two of 2024 authorizing this issuance, with one Commissioner noting prioritization of at least $7 million for prison projects. Salary board items related to Information Technology and Children's services were approved, as were personnel transactions.

This document outlines the strategic initiatives and goals of the Dauphin County Criminal Justice Advisory Board, focusing on enhancing the criminal justice system and public safety through collaborative, evidence-based approaches. Key areas include a comprehensive re-entry strategy starting from arrest, utilizing the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) to identify intervention points, and the National Stepping Up Initiative to address mental health needs within the justice system. Specific programs such as the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI), Crisis Intervention Teams, specialized treatment courts (Drug Court, Veterans Court), and pre-trial risk assessments are implemented. The board emphasizes evidence-based practices and the Risk-Needs-Responsivity (RNR) model to tailor interventions, reduce recidivism, and optimize resource allocation for improved outcomes.

The workshop meeting commenced with a moment of silence and the pledge to the flag. A reminder was given regarding the live-streaming of the meeting for public transparency. The structure of the weekly meetings, alternating between workshop and legislative sessions, was explained, though this session included matters for immediate action. Key discussions involved the recognition of Lena Shap, an accomplished young softball player, through a proclamation detailing her recent successes, including selection to the All-American softball team and performance in a national tournament. Additionally, the meeting addressed the announcement of winners for the 16th annual Cultural Diversity Celebration essay contest, recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion perspectives from young residents across various age categories. The discussion also touched upon the upcoming formal action meeting where minutes from the July 31, 2024, workshop and legislative sessions, as well as the salary board meeting minutes, would be approved. An executive session was previously held to discuss public safety at the prison and to receive legal counsel on engineering contracts and projects.

The meeting centered on a presentation regarding debt restructuring and the authorization of a financing team to potentially reduce the county's annual debt service from approximately $17 million to around $10 million per year, aiming for a $7 million reduction to assist with the 2025 budget. The proposed transaction also includes provisions for funding ongoing maintenance projects and potential capital projects. The presenters discussed different financing scenarios that allocated varying amounts, from $15 million to $25 million, for capital projects. Furthermore, the team provided an update on the municipal bond market, noting that current interest rates are relatively low, supporting the timing for such a refinancing transaction. A proposed timeline suggests aiming for an early August market entry to lock in rates, with a target closing in September to maximize debt service relief within the current fiscal year's budget.

The meeting was identified as a workshop session, with the approval of minutes deferred to the following week. An executive session was held on September 23rd to receive legal counsel regarding an RFP for medical and prescription administrative services and to discuss personnel matters. During the regular session, Commissioners approved personnel transactions (items 25 through 31 and 43-44) and training packet items (1 through 4). A request was made to place the SCPA works contract for interns on the next meeting's agenda for board action. Commissioner Douglas reported on a productive delegation trip to the White House concerning business concerns such as workforce development and federal procurement. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of responsiveness and financial practices of the tourism bureau, Visit Hershey Harrisburg. Additionally, thanks were extended to the Treasurer for tax recovery efforts and to DRRO staff for managing significant flooding events.