Commissioners Reorganize for 2020; Kessinger Selected Chairman

LOCK HAVEN – The Clinton County Commissioners have reorganized for the new year, part of an initial and brief new year’s meeting Monday morning.

Miles Kessinger, top vote-getter in the November election, was unanimously named as board chairman; incumbent commissioner Jeff Snyder, number two in November, was selected as vice-chairman. The two Republicans were nominated by first-time commissioner Angela Harding, a Democrat. Kessinger is a former commissioner, having served in the 1990s.

The meeting lasted 28 minutes and most of the votes, all unanimous, were the appointment of volunteers on various boards and authorities. Also several county officials were reappointed for 2020: chief clerk Jann Meyers, solicitor Larry Coploff and chief assessor Keith Yearick.

The commissioners, along with the appropriate salary board members, approved a 2.5 percent pay increase for all non-elected employees not covered by a collective bargaining agreement. The 2.5 percent figure is the same as that negotiated with county union members.

The commissioners approved their 2020 meeting schedule, noting there will not be a regular meeting this Thursday, Jan. 9. The next public voting session will be Thursday, Jan. 16.

There were no public comments and at the conclusion of the meeting board chairman Kessinger pledged “open and progressive” operation of county business.