An in-depth analysis of the housing crisis in the tri-county area headlined discussion during the May 5 meeting of the Perry County commissioners. Commissioners attended the Tri-County Regional luncheon last week, where guest speaker Morgan Boyd, special assistant to the secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development, presented an overview of housing challenges in the region. Boyd was praised by the commissioners for his clear explanation of the ongoing housing affordability issues, including the paradox of high home prices in a market where few can afford to buy.
Commissioners also noted a series of recent community events they attended, including Future Farmers of America (FFA) banquets in West Perry, Newport and Greenwood. The events celebrated the achievements of local youth involved in agriculture. In addition, commissioners were present in Liverpool for a ceremony commemorating improvements to the town center green, including a hardscaping structure shaped like a cornet and enhancements to the bandstand. The project was part of the countywide downtown initiative, which began just before the covid-19 pandemic.
During public comment, Jason Finnerty thanked the commissioners for attending the earlier public hearing on the 2025 annual amendments to the Picture Perry comprehensive plan. Finnerty noted the 45-day public comment period for the amendments will end May 23. He hopes to have the resolution adopted by commissioners in June. Finnerty will notify the 22 municipalities they could begin passing their own resolutions after May 23.
Commissioners approved several personnel and contractual items during the meeting. They authorized a $65,000 agreement between the Children and Youth Services department and the Perry County Literacy Council for the Zone Summer program.
A lease proposal from David Reisinger for office space used by the Area Agency on Aging was approved at a monthly cost of $5,295. Commissioners noted that the lease terms remain consistent with the existing agreement and thanked Reisinger for addressing previous building concerns raised by the agency.
Appointments included Wendee L. Miller as deputy prothonotary clerk of courts in the prothonotary’s office, effective May 12, at an hourly rate of $18.33; April Wilson as part-time correctional officer at Perry County Prison, effective May 6, at an hourly rate of $22.93 and Kelsi Bailey as part-time custodian in the chief clerk’s department, effective May 7, at an hourly rate of $12.68.
Aaron Bollinger was approved for transfer to the position of resource specialist at the Perry County Conservation District, effective May 6, at an hourly rate of $18.33.