Mercer commissioners OK 2 new posts for youth agency

The state is slow in providing the county with reimbursement.
MERCER, Pa. -- Commissioners created two new positions in the Children and Youth Services Department.
They approved Thursday adding a fiscal operations officer and a registered nurse to the department.
CYS Director Beverly Burrows said a registered nurse has been hired on a contract basis for more than five years but bringing the post in-house will save $10,000.
The fiscal post, she said, was made necessary by new federal regulations and will insure that reports are filed in a timely manner so the county can receive its reimbursement.
The state is slow in providing the county with reimbursement and at one point was two years late with $2 million, which presented a serious cash flow problem. The state will reimburse 80 percent of both salaries.
Commissioners also approved a renewal application for Sharon and Farrell to participate in the Weed and Seed program. The application asks the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for $114,250 for the program, which combines stronger law enforcement in targeted areas with new community improvement programs.
Sharon and Farrell and other sources will pay the local match. No county funds are involved.
Reappointed
Kimberley and Martha Richards, both of Farrell, were reappointed to the Mercer County Anti-Discrimination Commission for two years. Newly appointed to three-year terms were: Vivian LaCamera of Hermitage, Barb Leali of the County Commission for Women, Walter Richardson of Grove City and Cheryl O'Connell and the Rev. Bruce Richael, both of Farrell.
Merilyn Isoldi was hired as court crier at $80.25 per day and as tip staff substitute at $65.64 per day and Kimberly Van Sickle was hired as part-time senior procedure clerk at $9.27 hourly.
Commissioners accepted the retirement of their Chief Clerk Rick Boggs, effective June 28.