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NEW CUMBERLAND - Hancock County's volunteer fire departments will receive some additional funding as a result of actions taken by the state Legislature.
As part of its meeting Thursday, the Hancock County Commission approved a policy to govern the use of the County Fire Protection Fund, also known as Fund 41, with the policy going into effect the same day.
Commissioner Eron Chek noted the funding was provided through the Legislature as a form of supplemental support during a special session in 2023 with the passage of Senate Bill 1021.
The funds in question - with Hancock County having received $47,610.46 - "are to be expended for the exclusive benefit of fire protection or emergency services in the county," according to the agreement.
The fund for the money was created by the commission Nov. 9, with the money transferred by the state's Division of Emergency Management on Nov. 30.
Under the agreement approved Thursday, each volunteer fire department - Chester, Lawrenceville, Newell, New Cumberland, New Manchester and Oakland - will receive $7,935.07. The agreement notes there has been no deadline provided by the state for use of the funds.
In other business Thursday, the county commission:
Made a matter of record a request from Robert Miller, executive director of the Route 2/I-68 Authority for a contribution of $4,000;
Approved General County Budget Revision 1 for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, including an increase of $292,902 in the budget's unencumbered balance line item, and the same amount for contingencies;
Approved the resignation of Ryan Scott from the Oakland Public Service District, effective Aug. 31 and agreed to advertise for the position;
Agreed to contribute $36,370 for membership dues to the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission;
Approved a payment of $304.50 for the revised accrued personal and vacation hours of former county administrator Paul Zuros;
Approved a request from Sheriff Scott Gittings to hire one deputy, effective Aug. 1. Gittings noted three candidates had been interviewed, but one withdrew during the process, and another turned down the job offer;
Approved the county's Emergency Absentee Voting Policy for the 2024 general election;
Approved the continued employment of Alexis Swan as a part-time employee of the Circuit Clerk's Office until Dec. 31, and of Josh Duffy for the periods of Dec. 31 to Jan. 10, and March 15 to March 31;
Agreed to hire Taylor Bernard as a full-time 911 dispatcher, effective Aug. 1;
Approved a license agreement to temporarily allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency to use the former county Health Department offices at 104 North Court St., New Cumberland;
Approved the Hancock County Local Emergency Planning Committee's Bylaws.