Centre County OKs human services funding, considers community projects
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BELLEFONTE -- The Centre County Board of Commissioners convened Tuesday morning to consider a range of proclamations, infrastructure leases and funding agreements across county human services.
The meeting opened with official recognition for two upcoming community initiatives. The commissioners adopted Proclamation 44 of 2026, officially declaring September 2026 as "National Recovery Month" in Centre County.
Additionally, the board adopted Proclamation 45 of 2026, proclaiming September 2026 as "Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month" and designating Sept. 10, 2026, as "Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day."
"We don't have to have all the answers. We don't have to be counselors or mental health professionals. We simply need to be willing to notice when someone might be struggling, to listen without judgment and to help connect them to a trusted adult or professional when more support is needed," President and Founder of the Jana Marie Foundation Marisa Vicere said.
In transportation and public safety action, the board addressed Resolution 10 of 2026, authorizing designated county officials to sign a grant agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Bureau of Maintenance and Operation. The grant will fund the District 2-0 Community Traffic Safety Project.
"This has been going on for several years. There are times when extensions are necessary with the program and that is incorporated into this overall process. So we would be covered for that under this resolution as well," Centre County Administrator John Franek said.
Several property lease renewals and facility projects were also brought before the board:
-- For the MDJ Office Lease the commissioners reviewed a contract renewal with S-C Joint Venture for the Magisterial District Judge 49-3-05 office located at 121 S. Pugh St. in State College. The three-year contract spans Sept. 1, 2026, to Aug. 31, 2029, with a total cost not to exceed $243,000. Monthly rates are set at $6,387 for 2026-27, $5,363 for 2027-28, and $5,470 for 2028-29, plus operating expenses.
-- For the Transportation Office, a commercial lease renewal with Jeff and Trudy Reese for the county transportation office and garage space was considered at $48,709.44 annually, running through Aug. 31, 2031.
-- For Capital Improvement, a $3,500 contract with Diviney & Associates was reviewed to provide design services for a precast concrete retaining wall at the probation parking lot near North Penn and East Pike Streets.
-- Under Human Services, the board considered a letter of support for Mount Nittany Health Children's Advocacy Center of Centre County's grant application for the 2026 NCA Member Child Advocacy Centers. The grant funds forensic interviews, medical examinations and general operations.
"This grant covers some of their general operations at their center, including our forensic interviews and medical examinations," Director of Children and Youth Services Leah Raker said.
The board also moved forward on several housing and public support funding items, including a $434,070 HUD grant agreement for the Centre County Rapid Re-Housing Program, a corresponding $431,233 contract renewal with Housing Transitions and a timeline extension for Central PA Community Action. Multiple foster and residential service contract renewals for Children and Youth Services (CYS) were also placed on the consent agenda.
In advisory board action, Thomas Songer was appointed chair of the Ag Land Preservation Board through August 2027, with James Heckman and Lamartine Hood reappointed through August 2029. Bruce Erb was appointed to the MH/ID Advisory Board through August 2029.
The board also authorized CNET sponsorship for the broadcast taping of the Centre County League of Women Voters Candidates' Night, scheduled for Sept. 30, 2026.