A primary focus of the meeting revolved around the escalating challenges in juvenile detention. This discussion was catalyzed by public comments and insights from key county officials. Sandy Aavo from Upper Deerfield Township initiated the conversation by questioning the financial responsibilities of taxpayers concerning legal defense costs for commissioners involved in lawsuits related to their roles. The inquiry led to a broader dialogue on juvenile detention, with Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb McCrae providing significant input.

Webb McCrae highlighted the impact of the county’s decision to close its juvenile detention center, a move driven by the previous administration to ensure that only appropriate juveniles were detained. She recalled that the center previously housed 35 to 40 children daily, a number that has since reduced to an average of seven or eight. The closure has led to substantial cost savings, including millions in salaries and health benefits. However, Webb McCrae pointed out that the current situation shows a resurgence in juvenile crime, with 22 youths currently detained, many facing serious charges.

She underscored the inadequate number of juvenile detention centers in the state, stating, “At the present time, we only have seven open detention centers,” and called for statewide legislation to better manage juvenile detention. Webb McCrae suggested that counties sending juveniles to facilities should incur premium costs, particularly when those facilities selectively accept detainees.

Chuck Albino, Director of the Department of Corrections, also weighed in, emphasizing the difficulty in finding suitable placements for juveniles. He expressed reservations about incorporating juvenile facilities within adult facility footprints, citing examples from other jurisdictions. Albino noted that any new juvenile detention center would require consent from the Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC), adding another layer of complexity.

The conversation revealed a need for a coordinated regional approach to juvenile detention, with Webb McCrae advocating for state involvement and oversight to establish guidelines and manage fluctuations in juvenile crime rates effectively. Albino highlighted operational difficulties, including staffing shortages and the high costs of providing adequate support to juvenile detainees.

Further complicating the juvenile detention issue were concerns about the management of juvenile detention beds across counties. It was noted that counties often hold beds under contract that may not be needed, leading to inefficiencies. A proposal was made to eliminate such agreements in favor of a statewide management system to ensure optimal utilization of bed space, with a uniform daily rate based on the highest county charge. This would allow a centralized system to allocate available beds as needed, rather than maintaining reservations for counties that do not require them.

In addition to juvenile detention, the commissioners addressed several resolutions related to county operations. Resolution 2024-2 authorized a non-fair and open contract for voter education mailers, which passed unanimously. Other resolutions included contracts for law enforcement uniforms and vehicle purchases for the Department of Public Works. Commissioner Al noted the necessity of these purchases to address equipment delays, with funds already set aside for this purpose.

Adjustmentsttention was given to Resolution 15334, which awarded a contract for language interpreter and translation services, and Resolution 15369, related to the 2024 overlay program affecting multiple municipalities. Discussions also covered improvements in drainage systems and video reporting services for commissioner meetings.

A noteworthy resolution involved the replacement of an outdated filing system in the Division of Social Services, primarily funded by grants with partial county contributions. The importance of addressing these longstanding issues was emphasized, reflecting proactive measures by the public works department.

The meeting also highlighted financial and logistical challenges within the county. Discussions included the consolidation of Workforce Development buses, with concerns over potential funding losses impacting transportation services. Commissioner remarks pointed to the ongoing costs incurred from lawsuits linked to the previous administration, particularly in relation to juvenile detention services.

In a positive note, the administration received commendation for their financial management, specifically the absence of audit notes in recent evaluations, earning applause for maintaining fiscal responsibility.

As the meeting concluded, a motion was made to enter an executive session to discuss collective bargaining agreements, litigation negotiations, and employment relationships. The session was not expected to result in immediate action, but it underscored the ongoing efforts to address the county’s complex and multifaceted challenges.