Clinton County hires first county engineer

LOCK HAVEN, PA – The Clinton County Commissioners on Thursday hired the county’s first fulltime engineer. Stephen P. Gibson was unanimously approved as the county’s Director of Planning/County Engineer, his pay established at $115,000.

All three commissioners were upbeat on establishment of the new position and the Gibson hire. Board chairman Miles Kessinger said the hiring will be “budget neutral.” Commissioner Jeff Snyder went one step further, saying the cost of the new position will be more than budget neutral, stating the county presently pays hundreds of thousands of dollars in consulting engineering fees, that expense eliminated with the new position.

Commissioner Angela Harding said the hire “moves Clinton County forward…(the county) being responsible with taxpayer dollars.” She said Gibson will be involved with future county projects, including continuing Bald Eagle Valley Trail development.

Gibson will begin work in early October. He has been with Altoona-based Gwin, Dobson & Foreman Engineers, most recently as a senior project engineer. Commissioner Kessinger said Gibson will not be receiving county medical benefits.

Also Thursday, the commissioners approved an agreement in the amount of $196,500 to EADS Architects Inc to provide planning work for HVAC upgrades as the county’s Piper Building and Courthouse; the services to be provided through design and bidding.