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Archive for July 5th, 2024

County Adds To Staff, Relocates Veterans’ Center

July 5th, 2024 Comments off

Potter County Department of Veterans Affairs has increased its staffing and is now operating at a new location. Address is 24 Maple View Lane, Suite 2, Coudersport PA 16915. Contact informationĀ remains the same for both phone (814-274-8290, option 8) and fax (814-260-0047). The new center provides additional space for enhanced privacy, a waiting area and record storage. It also offers expanded convenient parking.

The facility was previously used for a VA Medical Clinic. The Coudersport Magisterial District Judge office is also located in the county-owned building. Potter County’s Maintenance Department, under the direction of Joe Kurtz, renovated the offices and repaired the building from damage incurred when a vehicle crashed into its south side several months ago.

Director Mike Pepper and Veterans Services Officer Rene Kicklighter look forward to continuing their service to veterans, their families and the community. Hours remain Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, by appointment only. More information can be found on the county website, pottercountypa.net, under Departments/Veterans Affairs.

Lower Shale Gas Payments Hit Local Govt. Budgets

July 5th, 2024 Comments off

Lower payments from the Pa. Act 13 shale gas-drilling “impact fee” have many county and local governments facing financial crunches as they enter the second half of the budget/calendar year. Payments from the tax are based on 2023 gas drilling and production reports. Potter County’s allotment is $210,000, down from last year’s $364,000.

Township/borough payments are also lower. With 2023 figures in paratheses, the leading recipients will be: Sweden $52,300 ($90,000); Ulysses Twp. $49,200 (84,000); West Branch $36,500 ($63,000); Summit $27,900 ($48,000); Eulalia $24,300 ($42,000); Clara $13,800 ($29,000); Coudersport $13,700 ($24,000); Wharton $13,400 ($23,000); Pleasant Valley $13,300 ($23,000) and Keating $13,250 ($23,000).

While all counties receive a percentage of the annual impact fee revenues, distribution is weighted toward the counties and local governments that host development. Totals fluctuate annually, as the amount is based on factors including number of wells drilled, age of each well and prices.

County and local governments can use the money for preservation and reclamation of water supplies; improvements to roads and bridges; construction and repair of water and sewer systems; delivery of social services; local tax reduction; housing; conservation districts; emergency preparedness and flood plain management.