Cumberland County Commissioners Approve Multiple Contracts for Human Services and Infrastructure
August 01, 2025 | Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
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The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners meeting on July 31, 2025, focused on several key contracts and budgetary adjustments for various county services, particularly in the areas of foster care, drug and alcohol services, and public safety.
One of the primary discussions involved the approval of multiple contracts for foster care services. Notably, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Harrisburg announced an 11.68% rate increase, with a portion allocated directly to foster parents. Similarly, Kobe's Family Services and Children's Home of York also reported significant increases in their foster care rates, reflecting a broader trend of rising costs in these essential services. The Chester County Youth Center, which provides shelter and detention services, is also expanding its offerings to include drug and alcohol and psychiatric services, with increases in their rates by over 39%.
In the realm of drug and alcohol services, the county is adjusting its contracts due to changes in state funding and reporting requirements. JFT Recovery and Veterans Support Services will continue to provide warm handoff services, albeit under a six-month contract extension as the county awaits a new five-year grant agreement from the state. Additionally, Penn State will no longer provide training under its contract, resulting in a decrease in funding.
The meeting also addressed a significant grant application for election integrity, with Cumberland County set to receive over $930,000, an increase of $1,488 from the previous year. This funding is crucial for maintaining election processes and ensuring integrity in upcoming elections.
Other notable contracts included a $128,149.42 agreement with Thermo Electron Corporation for laboratory instruments and a $5,000 contract with Park Service Group for maintenance of prison kitchen equipment. The commissioners also approved a capital project request for the replacement of copiers in the District Attorney's office, totaling $66,735 over five years.
In closing, the meeting highlighted the county's ongoing commitment to providing essential services amidst rising costs and changing funding landscapes. The commissioners expressed gratitude for the dedication of county staff and the importance of adapting to new challenges in service delivery.
One of the primary discussions involved the approval of multiple contracts for foster care services. Notably, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Harrisburg announced an 11.68% rate increase, with a portion allocated directly to foster parents. Similarly, Kobe's Family Services and Children's Home of York also reported significant increases in their foster care rates, reflecting a broader trend of rising costs in these essential services. The Chester County Youth Center, which provides shelter and detention services, is also expanding its offerings to include drug and alcohol and psychiatric services, with increases in their rates by over 39%.
In the realm of drug and alcohol services, the county is adjusting its contracts due to changes in state funding and reporting requirements. JFT Recovery and Veterans Support Services will continue to provide warm handoff services, albeit under a six-month contract extension as the county awaits a new five-year grant agreement from the state. Additionally, Penn State will no longer provide training under its contract, resulting in a decrease in funding.
The meeting also addressed a significant grant application for election integrity, with Cumberland County set to receive over $930,000, an increase of $1,488 from the previous year. This funding is crucial for maintaining election processes and ensuring integrity in upcoming elections.
Other notable contracts included a $128,149.42 agreement with Thermo Electron Corporation for laboratory instruments and a $5,000 contract with Park Service Group for maintenance of prison kitchen equipment. The commissioners also approved a capital project request for the replacement of copiers in the District Attorney's office, totaling $66,735 over five years.
In closing, the meeting highlighted the county's ongoing commitment to providing essential services amidst rising costs and changing funding landscapes. The commissioners expressed gratitude for the dedication of county staff and the importance of adapting to new challenges in service delivery.
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