The Lycoming County Commissioners met on October 8th to handle staffing changes, finalize a land sale, and discuss an uncomfortable financial reality: taxpayers pay for both sides of every trial that goes to completion.

The commissioners talked openly about how much trials cost. When a case goes all the way through the court system, the county picks up the bill for the prosecution and the defense. It is expensive. A plea deal would be cheaper for the county budget. Everyone in the room knows that. But the commissioners made clear that saving money cannot be the deciding factor. The primary obligation is making sure justice happens for the families of victims. That means sometimes the county pays for a full trial even when a cheaper option exists.

The board finalized the sale of two county-owned land parcels on Beach Road, right next to the County Farm. Parcel 164 and Parcel 59 will bring $315,000 into the county. The sale is pending a final review by the county solicitor, so a closing date has not been set yet. Every dollar from this sale will go straight into farm improvements. The exact nature of those projects was not detailed at the meeting, but the commitment is clear: the money stays at the farm.

Angela Scocchera was promoted to full-time procurement and grant officer at an annual salary of $41,212. Her new role fills an existing vacancy without expanding the county payroll or creating a brand new position.

The commissioners also approved staffing changes at the pre-release center, a county facility that manages specialized supervision programs. Four supervisor positions needed to be filled after prior staff departures. Three new hires came on board: Zachery Miller, Candida Kingston, and Lutricia Ellman. Sean Diggan transferred from an internal county position to fill the fourth supervisor role. All four positions are full-time union jobs paying $20.70 per hour. These are not new positions either. They fill gaps left by people who moved on.

Roger Jarrett was appointed to the industrial authority board for a five-year term running from January 1st, 2027, through December 31st, 2031. His appointment ensures community representation on the board continues.

The next regular public meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. on October 22nd, on the third floor of the Third Street Plaza at 33 West Third Street in Williamsport.