TIONESTA: The Forest County Commissioners conducted a concise but business-focused meeting Thursday morning, January 22, approving a series of routine expenditures, key public safety payments, and a significant agreement supporting opioid recovery services.
Commissioners Mark S. Kingston, Patrick Kline, and Robert J. Snyder Jr. were present, along with Chief Clerk Diana Szuch, Sheriff Bill Carbaugh, and Treasurer Stacey Barnes. Commissioner Kingston called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. following the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
Routine Approvals and Department Purchases
The board unanimously approved minutes from the December 17, 2025 meeting before moving into department requests.
Commissioners authorized a range of modest but necessary operational purchases across county departments, including office supplies, cleaning materials, building signage, transportation equipment, and election-related technology. Among the approved items were:
- A scanner for the elections computer
- Building signage for the Assessment and Conservation/Economic Development offices
- Notary stamps for Magisterial District Courts
- Transportation center consoles and lug nuts
- Cleaning and central supply restocking
All motions passed unanimously.
Payroll And Bill Payments
The commissioners approved payroll and bills across multiple funds, including:
- General Fund Payroll: $55,348.35
- General Fund Bills: $34,237.72
- Transportation Payroll and Bills: $29,788 combined
- Children & Youth Payroll and Bills: $32,402 combined
All financial approvals were unanimous.
911 Services And Public Safety Funding
A significant portion of new business centered on emergency communications and public safety infrastructure.
The board approved payments from the 911 account totaling more than $47,000, including:
- Quarterly dispatch services to Warren County 911 and Clarion County 911
- Internet service through Windstream
- A $21,735 annual maintenance agreement for 911 services with Mobilcom
In addition, commissioners approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Erie County Hazardous Materials Team to provide certified hazmat response coverage for Forest County. The agreement ensures professional response capability in the event of a hazardous materials incident.
Opioid Recovery Services
The commissioners also approved several expenditures from the county’s Opioid account, including:
- Rent assistance for an individual
- Internet service for the recovery center
- Support services through Family Services of Warren County
Most notably, the board unanimously approved entering into a formal agreement with Family Services of Warren County to provide staffing and supplies for the Opioid Recovery Center. The contract, which runs from January 1 through December 31, 2026, will not exceed $83,720 and will be billed monthly.
Inter-Fund Transfers
Additional actions included:
- A $12,500 transfer from the General Fund to the HSDF fund for third-quarter 2025 allocation
- A $922.60 transfer for December veterans transportation fees
- Approval of a Master Services Agreement with ChannelBound, LLC (ACA Prime) to process federally required 2025 health insurance 1095 forms
Swift Conclusion
With no extended discussion under old business, the meeting adjourned at 10:06 a.m., lasting just six minutes.
While brief in duration, the meeting addressed critical operational needs, public safety coordination, and continued investment in opioid recovery services — underscoring the county’s focus on maintaining core services and regional partnerships heading into 2026.
