Crawford County commissioners approve $3.1 million in bills, dozens of contracts, personnel moves and technology purchases

The Crawford County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 28 approved routine minutes and authorized payments and contracts across county departments, including $3,130,642.37 in bills and a series of budgeted and grant-funded purchases.

In the meeting’s most prominent financial action, commissioners approved payment of bills totaling $3,130,642.37 for the period ending Jan. 27. Voter services staff secured approval of the annual Liberty Vote equipment payment of $221,932.50, a budgeted item. The board also ratified adult probation payments: a $1,133 county assessment and a $3,443 2026 Live Scan maintenance fee to the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association.

County technology and facilities purchases included a $41,468.75 phase‑1 card access control system for magistrate, human resources and finance offices, and separate IT purchases totaling $11,107.45 for access points, laptops, cameras and related hardware. Public safety authorized a $39,040 behavioral-health data suite paid from the county’s CIT grant, and approved smaller maintenance contracts for generators, breathing‑air trailer service, radio-network components and moving tower equipment.

Human-services and mental-health items comprised multiple contract amendments. The board approved CYSJP Pathways transitional‑living contract changes, adjustments to MA match language for several contracts (contract maximums unchanged), and an increase in Pathfinder adolescent psych‑rehab funding to $42,040.44. The board also approved a new mental‑health contract with Through Thought Therapy to maintain continuity of care for a youth transitioning to community placement.

Planning and community‑development actions included a $20,000 Crawford County Blight Revitalization Program grant to Active Aging for demolition of the former Springs Manor Senior Care Center at 110 Canfield St., Cambridge Springs, and approval of a $6,553.75 invoice to Michael Baker International for subdivision (SALDO) professional services.

Personnel and salary board actions were a major part of the meeting. The board ratified emergency transfers and set salaries for several positions: Teresa Chymiak (deputy chief clerk/procurement specialist) at $48,048 per year; Jacqueline Blanchard (assistant district attorney) at $68,000 per year replacing Trey Howe; Samantha Travis as director of planning at $62,000 per year (effective Jan. 26, 2026); and Janet Corson as chief assessor at $56,500 per year (effective Jan. 12, 2026). The retirement board approved withdrawals from retirement for Tom Andresiak and Ameca Abomere and approved a GRS actuarial invoice for $2,304.

Commissioner Seeley used his remarks to praise county finance and emergency services staff for securing long‑awaited reimbursements from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and for the county’s response to a major water‑main break in Meadville, saying the board and staff “appreciate the tenacity with which our folks here went after it and made sure that that was rectified.”

Most items were described as budgeted or grant‑funded and carried on roll call votes. Where purchases were noted as not budgeted (for example, the IT card access phase and several IT hardware items), presenters indicated funding plans or requested ratification; the board approved the requests and asked for follow‑up as needed.

The board adjourned after completing the consent and personnel items; the next full session was set for Feb. 11 and the next work session for Feb. 4.