On Wednesday, the Blair County salary board decided to eliminate vacant jobs in the county’s parole and probation office, and Blair County Judge Wade Kagarise isn’t happy about it. In a press statement, the judge said the lack of notice regarding the eliminated positions “deprived him of the chance” to provide the necessary information to the board to vote on this action. On Wednesday, the salary board identified over 30 positions to be abolished, and that included seven vacant parole and probation officer positions. In his statement the judge said he was not provided prior notice of the Salary Board’s intent to place these matters on Wednesday’s agenda. The judge further noted that Wednesday’s actions will result in increased confinements to the prison, which will translate to higher taxes. Judge Kagarise said in the coming days, he will work with the Blair County Adult Parole and Probation Office to determine significant adjustments that will need to occur heading into next year. He said after that, he will provide the three county Commissioners and Controller the opportunity to have a confidential briefing on the effects of this decision on public safety. Kagarise said if the salary board decides to stay the course, he will inform the public of the court’s intentions in the “spirit of full transparency”.
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