Pike County 2008 budget is presented

MILFORD, PA — The Pike County Commissioners have presented a 2008 budget calling for a $1.4 million increase from last year’s budget of $34,743,619.

Commissioner Harry Forbes explained that the increase is due mainly to the growth of the county and to rising judicial costs. The actual increase that must be raised by the county is just above $600,000.

The principal reason for the rise is for 10 new employees that are connected to the appointment of a second county judge. The judge’s salary is being paid for by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Other factors contributing to the increase are additional funding for a full-time district attorney, $134,000 in additional funding for the Area Agency on Aging, rising fuel costs, a five percent increase in health insurance costs and additional funds for the election system.

Pennsylvania awards grants for land protection, recreation

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has awarded $39.4 million in grants for land protection, conservation and recreation projects. Funding for the grants comes from Growing Greener II, a voter-approved, $625 million bond issue, and Keystone ‘93, a DCNR fund generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax.

Among the grants are $200,000 to Dingman Township for development of the municipal park, to include installation of access road, ball field and parking; $100,000 to Lehman Township for development of the community park, to include the installation of a soccer field, parking, ADA Access, landscaping, sign and related site improvements; $50,000 to Matamoras Borough, for renovation and further development of Airport Park; $26,000 to Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation, to prepare a master site development plan for approximately 520 acres of the Lacawac Sanctuary; and $30,000 to the Wayne County Historical Society, for the development of lock #31 by the construction of a canoe kayak launch into the Lackawaxen River, to include the construction of access road, parking area and ramp, ADA access, landscaping, sign and related park improvements.

Statewide, the grants will fund a variety of projects, including conserving 4,129 acres of open space and 224 projects for the development or rehabilitation of recreation, park or conservation areas and facilities.

PA House approves open-records legislation

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania house has unanimously passed legislation that would overhaul the Commonwealth’s right-to-know law and make records more available to the general public.

One of the most important changes under the new legislation would be a presumption that all state records are public unless specifically indicated otherwise.

Also included in the bill is the disclosure of salary information for state-related institutions. The legislation calls for state-related institutions to submit salary information for all officers and directors, as well as their 25 highest-paid employees.

Because the house amended the previously passed senate bill, the open-records legislation will now head back to the senate.

Cohen named to NYSAC Committee

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Sullivan County Treasurer Ira Cohen has received word that he was re-appointed to the New York State Association of Counties’ (NYSAC’s) prestigious Resolutions Committee for 2008 by NYSAC president and Albany County Legislator Lucille McKnight.

The Resolutions Committee is responsible for deciding what resolutions and issues will be delivered to the NYSAC executive board for final approval. This committee completes the reviewing, editing, altering and ultimately approves or disapproves resolutions that come from the other standing committees, and thereby narrowing the focus on key issues the NYSAC governing body will represent and/or lobby for to state lawmakers.

“I am honored by this reappointment, and I look forward to working with county and other elected officials on issues that impact Sullivan County and our sister counties,” said Cohen.

John Visci wanted for theft from American Legion Post 254

HONESDALE, PA — The Honesdale Borough Police and the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office have announced that an arrest warrant has been issued for John J. Visci for the theft of approximately $29,000 from the American Legion Post 254 located in Honesdale. The Affidavit of Probable Cause filed by Deputy Chief Joseph LoBasso alleges that Visci, age 60, used his position as finance officer at Post 254 to steal from the American Legion during the period March 2006 through November 2007. Visci is charged with theft, failure to make required disposition of funds and forgery, all felonies of the third degree. The last known address for Visci is 5 Spring Drive, Hawley, PA. Visci is 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs approximately 225 pounds. Anyone with information should contact Lo Basso at 570/ 253-1900.

District Attorney Michael Lehutsky commented, “The members of this Legion Post are veterans who put everything on the line to serve their country. It is terrible to think that someone would betray their trust in this way.”

Vidal Martinez named park superintendent

PHILADELPHIA, PA — National Park Service (NPS) Northeast Regional Director Dennis Reidenbach announced that Vidal Martinez has been selected as the superintendent of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River. Martinez is expected to begin his assignment in February 2008. He follows David Forney, who retires ion January.

“The Upper Delaware is managed through partnerships with communities and private landowners along the river. Vidal brings a strong appreciation for the importance of working with others to protect our valuable cultural and natural resources,” said Reidenbach.

“The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is an outstanding natural resource. I look forward to working with the riverside communities and the park staff to preserve the river and offer recreational opportunities for our visitors,” said Martinez.