FRANKLIN, Pa. (EYT) — The Venango County Commissioners read a proclamation opposing the closure of Polk Center at their monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 10.

The proclamation was read by commissioner chairman Tim Brooks, although Brooks didn’t say “aye” or “nay” when the proclamation came up for a vote and did not sign the proclamation following the meeting.

The proclamation, however, was passed by a voice vote with both commissioners Vincent Witherup and Albert “Chip” Abramovic voting in favor of it and Witherup and Abramovic both signing it. Any county business needs to only be approved by two of the three commissioners.

The proclamation reads in part that: “the Polk State Center has been an integral part of the County of Venango since 1897, and the County of Venango is fully vested in the welfare of the residents and employees of Pol State Center, and the County of Venango believes that Polk State Center provides extraordinary care that is in the best interest of its residents, and the County of Venango believes that it is detrimental to the individuals residing in the Polk State Center to be removed from their life-long home and place in group homes where they will not receive the same level of care, and the proposed closure will affect 800 employees causing an economic hardship for them and a negative $134,400,000.00 impact on our region, therefore let it be resolves that the Venango County Board of Commissioners hereby declare their opposition to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services proposed closer of Polk State Center, and be it further resolved that the Venango County Board Commissioners will submit this resolution and accompanying letter of opposition to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and respectfully ask that the citizens of the County of Venango join them in their opposition.”

Witherup and, especially, Abramovic, have been vocal in their displeasure with the Commonwealth’s decision to close Polk Center down with Abramovic even driving to State College the day of the announcement to talk to Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman.

Watch the reading of the proclamation.