Updates on several fronts related to economic development were presented during recent meetings attended by Potter County officials.
Commissioner Susan Kefover and Community Development Director Jennifer Rossman attended a meeting of the Northeast Potter Economic Development Association (NEPEDA) this week. The group represents residents and businesses in the Northern Potter School District area to address needs in the business community and initiate assistance to growing businesses or new business opportunities.
Attendees included representatives of Ulysses Borough, nearby townships, local businesses, the Amish community, school district and community organizations.
Rossman presented updated information on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the Potter/Tioga Visitors Bureau, the PA Route 6 Alliance and the Pennsylvania Wilds region.
The new visitors association launched in July of last year with access to $600,000 in funding for fiscal year 2018 derived from room taxes charged in Potter and Tioga counties. The agency is focused on marketing the two counties not just across the region and state, but also nationally and internationally. The board has a number of Potter County representatives, including Rossman, a representative of the Lumber Museum and several business owners.
A Potter County resident attended the meeting to discuss a lawsuit recently filed against Potter County and Commissioner Doug Morley, who chairs the commissioners’ board. Leslie Paul Howarth presented information concerning the difficulties disabled individuals have in accessing several county-affiliated buildings.
Howarth presented information to commissioners concerning the magisterial district judge office in Coudersport, and the accessibility issues related to it. Commissioners have notified the building’s owner, Shane Wilson of Coudersport, who stated he is willing to make changes to bring the building into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Currently, District Judge Annette Easton accommodates individuals with disabilities by holding court in a satellite office setup in the Potter County Courthouse, but Howarth does not believe that this measure goes far enough to address the issues.
“He is very sincere, and we were very impressed with his advocacy for the handicapped. He stated that he did not file the suit for personal gain; he just wants these issues addressed,” stated Commissioner Paul Heimel. “The owner of the building has been notified of the lack of ADA compliance and he has indicated that he will address these issues.”
Howarth also raised concerns over several local businesses and the Coudersport office of state Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint.
The county continues to utilize reserve funds rather than apply for a tax anticipation loan to cover expenses while awaiting revenue from spring tax payments.
“We are still working from reserves of accounts we have here so we don’t have to pay interest on a tax anticipation loan. Taxes will start coming in beginning in April and we will begin rebuilding our reserves at that time,” stated Commissioner Doug Morley.
Morley also announced the date of this year’s Early Childhood Expo, which will be held on April 21 at the Coudersport Elementary School. The event brings together agencies that serve infants, toddlers and young children to help parents and caregivers navigate the many programs and services available for children, including Early Intervention, the Family Center, Head Start, Pre-K Counts, Potter County Human Services, CARE, IU9, daycare programs and other providers. More details are expected prior to the event.
Potter County was approved for a grant of $11,250 to help cover expenses to bring the Moving Wall, a half-sized replica of the Vietnam War Memorial, to the county as part of Vietnam Veterans Recognition activities planned for mid-September. A five-day period will be dedicated to the veterans, with outreach events, a recognition dinner, ceremonies and demonstrations planned.
The next meeting of the Potter County Commissioners will be held at 11 a.m. March 30 at the Gunzburger Building in Coudersport.
