Funds would help add transportation for disabled

The transportation is already provided, but hours could be expanded.
By MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
MERCER, Pa. -- A program that provides public transportation to people with disabilities in rural areas may expand its hours if more state money is forthcoming in the next year.
Currently, people with disabilities living in rural areas have transportation only until 3 p.m. weekdays.
Bill Jones, manager of the Mercer County Council of Governments Public Transit Agency, said he would like to expand that to 5 or 6 p.m. to accommodate those who work.
The people are transported through the Rural Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Program, a state program that provides 85 percent of the fare.
Jones said he expects some additional funds will be available this year under the program to make the expansion possible.
Will seek grant
In related action during their meeting Thursday, county commissioners agreed to apply for a $166,880 state capital equipment grant that would provide contributing funds for an additional $179,529 grant already approved for transportation of people who are elderly and/or disabled. Two vehicles will be replaced if the money is approved.
Commissioners also approved creation of an additional auditor position for the county controller's office. The post will pay $33,279 a year plus benefits. County Controller Thomas Amundsen said the new post is needed to deal with the increased workload because of state requirements.
Commissioners also created two part-time positions in the domestic-relations department, a senior procedure clerk and a data processing technician. They will be paid $10.53 and $11.20 respectively per hour.
The positions must be funded because they were recommended in a recent audit by the Bureau of Child Support Enforcement. The state could withhold funding if the county does not fill the posts. The state pays 66 percent of the cost of the positions.
Funding for the positions created Thursday was provided in the 2004 budget.
Appointments made
Commissioners also named several people to boards and commissions. Marcia Chikosky of Sharon and James Campbell III of Transfer were appointed and Ann Martinko of Sharon was reappointed, all for three-year terms to the Mercer County Mental Health/Mental Retardation Advisory Board. The resignation of Dr. Thomas Laton of Farrell was accepted from the same board.
Wanda Stallsmith of Jackson Center was named to a three-year term on the Mercer County Children and Youth Services Advisory Board. George Cavanaugh of Mercer was named to the County Human Services Committee.
Commissioners also authorized advertising for bids for replacement of the bridge on Haywood Street, West Middlesex, and repair of a bridge on Daugherty Road in Pine Township.
Commissioners also entered into an agreement with the federal government that will allow the sheriff's department to receive a share of cash or property seized by federal authorities in Mercer County. The department already has such an agreement with the state.