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Home My WebLink About2024-11-27 Commissioner Meeting WEDNESDAY,November27,2024 TheFranklinCountyCommissionersmetWednesday,November27,2024,withthefollowingmembers present:DeanA.HorstandRobertG.Ziobrowski.JohnT.Flanneryjoinedremotely.CommissionerHorst presidedandaftercallingthemeetingtoorder,aMomentofSilence,andthePledgeofAllegiance,proceeded withthebusinessoftheday. Themeetingwaslivestreamed. CommissionerZiobrowskiaskedtoamendtheagendatomovetheboardactionforthe4.09forthe Treasurertotheregularagenda.OnamotionbyRobertG.Ziobrowski,secondedbyJohnT.Flannery;the Boardunanimouslyapprovedtoadopttheamendedagenda. TheminutesoftheNovember20,2024meetingwerereviewed.OnamotionbyRobertG.Ziobrowski, secondedbyJohnT.Flannery;theBoardunanimouslyapprovedtheminutes. ChairmanHorstwantedtotalkabouttheelectionprocessthatwasgonethroughlastweekandthe recount.HestatedthattheelectionstaffhereattheCountydidanamazingjobandwantedtogivekudosto themandallthosewhovolunteeredtohelprecount,thankyou.ItwasapartoftheprocessthatwedidnÓthave tofinishthankfullybutitwasagreatwayforhim,beinghisfirstone,tolearnalot. ChairmanHorstcalledthePrisonBoardtoorderat10:06AM. ValerieJordanmadeapubliccommentaboutlastweekshewenttotheDAÓsofficeandputinarightto knowandtheygotbacktoherimmediately.Sheaskediftherewereanyundocumentedpeopleinourcounty prisonoverthelastfiveyears.TheofficereplieditdoesnÓtappeartheFranklinCountyDistrictAttorneyÓsOffice hadrecordswhichwouldberesponsivetoherrequest.Whichsheistakingasano.Shefeltitwastheright timetobringitupbecauseshethinkstherearealotofpeoplefearingthatthereareundocumentedpeople roamingaroundFranklinCounty.ShehasnÓtmetoneyet. PrisonBoardwasadjournedat10:08AM. TherewaspubliccommentfromValerieJordan.Shestatedthatlastweeksheforgottosaythatthe reasonwhyshedidthisrighttoknowisbecauseshemetawomanfromMexicointheDAÓsofficeandwastold herstory.Thisladyhaslivedhereforover20yearsandworkedforPenskeandisaproductivememberofour society.SheisonagreencardandhasputinforSocialSecurity.JustasthereareAmericanslivingacrossthe oceanandallovertheworldandtheyÓrecalledexpats.Shewasintheofficebecauseshewasinahorrible accident,thatwasnotherfault,shehadtoseetheDA.ValerieisalsoworriedabouttariffsandhowitÓsgoing toaffectherandthisCounty,schoolandlocalbudgets.ShenoticedononeoftheagendaitemsforInformation TechnologyServices,portsforcomputersdonÓtjustcomefromtheUnitedStates,theycomefromalloverthe worldandthereÓsanamounthereof$161,438.ShehopesthatsomeoneisgoingtogetreligiononJanuary 20thandnotdothistousbecausethenyou'regoingtohavetoactuallythinkaboutthatwhenyougooutfor goodsandservices.If20%isthetargetshewantstheCommissionerstoadd20%tothatdollaramount.Her husbandhasaTacomatruckthatwasmanufacturedinMexico,shedoesnÓtwanttoseethathappentohim whenhewantstotradein.ShedoesnÓtwanttobeforcedtolookatsomecarmadeintheUnitedStates becauseevenifitÓsmanufacturedherethepartsdonÓtcomefromhere.Shethinkswedon'thavethepeople andmanpowerforthat.Shewishesthatwedid,butitÓsadifferentworldthanherparentsgrewup.ShedoesnÓt wantanyoneintheroomhurtbyanytariffandthetradewarbecauseweÓregoingtoseebareshelvesandthen peoplewillunderstandwhattheRussiansaregoingthrough.Thatistruecommunism. ChrisArdingermadecommentregardingtheburnbandiscussion,hewantedtothankCountystaff, CarrieGray,JohnThierwechter,SheenaBaker(whooftengoesunnoticedbehindthescenes),DES,andthank youtotheCommissionersforgettingonthetopicquickasthetimingwasoffalittlebitbutthatwasnÓt anybodyÓsfault.HethinksitwashelpfulandjustwantedtolettheCommissionersknowforinformational purposesAntrimTownshipdidrescindtheirburnbanthenightbefore.Theyhaveheardsomepositive feedbackfromthat.MunicipalitiesdonÓtliketoimposeadditionalregulationsbutsometimescommonsense goesoutthewindowandtheyhavetogothatroute.AstheiractingEMChehaspersonallyrespondedto approximatelytencallsregardingburnsandtheRescueHoseCompanyrespondedtoapproximately25calls duringthedryperiod.Someweresimplemisunderstandings,othersweremoreserious.Somestartedout burningtheirtrashliketheynormallydidandthenextthingtheyknewitlitanacreoffieldonfire.Hethinksit wasworthwhileandappreciatedtheCommissionersdiligenceandmakingithappen.Heisthankfulforthebest groupofCountyCommissionershehasseenandwishedeveryoneahappyThanksgiving. JohnJordanwantedtothanktheCountyemployeesandCommissioners.Knowingthattherehave beensomereallystrangemeetingsthisyearwiththingsthatwerecontroversialbutheagreedwithMr. ArdingersaidthattheCommissionersaredoingagoodjobandheisveryhappywiththejobthecounty employeesaredoing.HeandValeriewantedtowisheveryoneahappythanksgivingandthankedeveryonefor doingagoodjobforthecounty. OnamotionbyRobertG.Ziobrowski,secondedbyJohnT.Flannery;theBoardunanimouslyapproved allconsentagendaitemstoinclude: Allbillspresentedandorderedpaid. InvoiceagreementbetweentheCountyofFranklinandES&Sforextendedwarrantyandfirmware licensecontractforourDS200s,DS450s,andExpressVoteselectionequipmentforthetimeperiodofOctober 1,2024throughSeptember20,2025atacostof$54,535.00.ThecostwillbepaidforfromtheElection IntegrityGrant. LeaseagreementbetweentheCountyofFranklinandWashingtonSquareApartmentsfortheHUD Permanent(SupportiveHousingLeaseProgram)thatcoverstotalrentplusanylandlord-coveredutilitiesata costof$7,536.00fortheperiodofDecember1,2024throughDecember1,2025.TheCountyholdsthelease withthelandlordandtheparticipantsubleasesfromtheCounty.Programparticipantsareresponsibleforany utilitiesnotincludedintheleaserent,upto30%oftheiradjustedgrossincome.Participantsarelinkedwith supportiveservicesandcasemanagementtoassistthemwithmaintainingpermanentstablehousing.Thiswill bepaidfromtheHUDgrant. LeaseagreementbetweentheCountyofFranklinandLuminestfortheHUDPermanent(Supportive HousingLeaseProgram)thatcoverstotalrentplusanylandlord-coveredutilitiesatacostof$9,459.00forthe periodofNovember15,2024throughNovember15,2025.TheCountyholdstheleasewiththelandlordand theparticipantsubleasesfromtheCounty.Programparticipantsareresponsibleforanyutilitiesnotincludedin theleaserent,upto30%oftheiradjustedgrossincome.Participantsarelinkedwithsupportiveservicesand casemanagementtoassistthemwithmaintainingpermanentstablehousing.ThiswillbepaidfromtheHUD grant. AmendmentbetweentheCountyofFranklinandCommonwealthofPennsylvania(PSP)toExhibitA-1 totheSiteLicenseAgreementoftheInteroperabilityandSiteSharingAgreementbetweentheCommonwealth ofPennsylvaniaandtheCountyofFranklintocorrectantennaheights,thissupersedesExhibitA-1datedApril 24,2024. ChildrenandYouthquarterlyincomeandexpenditurereport.Expendituresforthe4thquartertotaled $3,221,855resultinginarequiredCountylocalsharetotaling$803,355. AgreementbetweentheCountyofFranklinandComcastBusinesstomovethecircuitforaComcast PRIfromtheAdminAnnextotheDataCenter.Itprovidesexternalcallingphonelinesformostdepartmentsin theAdminBuildingandtheArchives.Thisrenewstheexpiredcontractatthesameprice.Monthlyfeesremain thesame.Thereisaonetimemovingfeeatacostof$624.90.Thiswillbepaidbyanallocationacrossall Countyoperations.About68%isestimatedtobepaidbytheGeneralFund. AgreementbetweentheCountyofFranklinandGovernmentSoftwareServices,Inc.(GSS)forthe printing,mailingandpostageofHomestead/FarmsteadapplicationsunderAct72PennsylvaniaHomeowner TaxReliefAct.Thisactprovidesadiscountontheschooltaxbillforowner-occupiedresidentialhomes.This mailerisatri-foldpressuresealedmailerthatthetaxpayercancomplete,resealandreturntotheTaxServices Office.UnderAct72theCountyAssessmentofficeistomailthesenotificationsbyDecember31,2024ata costof$14,435.00.ThefullcostofthisservicewillbebilledtoFranklinCounty'ssixschooldistricts.Thecost isestimatedfor14,300mailersandcanbesubjecttochangewhenthefileisbuiltinearlyDecember.We requested6vendorstoquotewithonlyGSSresponding.Theincreaseincostfrom2023isduetoanincrease inthepostagerate. TheBoardreviewedregularagendaitems.CountyAdministratorCarrieGrayprovidedahighlevel overviewofeachoftheactions. AmendmenttotheagreementbetweentheCountyofFranklinandCashVestthree+onefor ProfessionalServices.SinceweenteredintoacontractwiththeminSeptember2022,ourfeehasnotbeen adjusted.Itisbasedonourbudget,whichhasincreased15%sincethen.However,CashVestisonlyasking fora5%increasetotheirfeeatacostof$39,116.00.ThiswillbepaidbytheGeneralFund.TreasurerMelody ShumanstatedthatshefirstheardaboutCashVestataconferencewithfellowstateTreasurers.Afterseveral discussionsandmeetingswithCashVest,withtheCommissionersapproval,weenteredintoacontractwith theminOctober2022.Ourteam,workingwithourrepresentativeatCashVestismyself,myChiefDeputyTrina Panagos,CFOTeresaBecknerandFiscalDirectorJanelleFriese.I'dliketosharesomedatafromour partnershipwiththem:FranklinCountynowqualifiesfortheCashVest90+Clubafterearningfourconsecutive quartersofa90orhighercashVestscore.ThisputstheCountyinthetop10%ofentitiesnationallyforliquidity management.Wegenerated$3millionplusoverthepasttwelvemonthsendingSeptember30th,upfrom$1.5 millionintheprior12monthperiod,thatisa90%increase,whilebenchmarkratesonlyincreasedby17%.By September30th,$48.3millionwasinfixedincomethatisup$8millionfromoneyearagohelpingtheCounty protectitsinterestrevenuebudgetlinefrominterestratedecreases.Over$20millionoftheCounty'sCDand Terminvestmentsareoutperformingthecurrent12monthTreasurybenchmark.Withacomplexbanking servicesstructure,CashVestensurestheCountyhasamutuallybeneficialrelationshipwithourbank. CashVestprovidesongoingliquidityriskmanagementassessmenttoensuresafetyandliquidity,allwhile achievingthehighestyield.ThankyoutotheCommissionersforallowingusthisopportunity.Everydollarthat thisprogramhelpsusgeneratemeanslessofaburdenonourtaxpayers.CommissionerZiobrowskistatedhe wantedtocomplimentherandthewholeteamformakingalotofmoneyforFranklinCounty.Heknowsthe opportunitytoworkwithCashVesthadbeentherepreviouslybutnotacteduponandtheinitiativehas producedgreatdividendsforthecounty.ThefeesthatwearepayingtoCashVestpaleincomparisontothe benefits.CommissionerHorstremarkedthatwhenyouseethekindofreturnthatweÓregettingonthose dollars,itspeaksforitself. ConsideredtherevocationoftheFranklinCountyburnbancontainedinResolution#2024-04dated November13,2024.CommissionerHorstaskedifapproved,wouldittakeeffectin24hoursoreffective immediately?Ms.Graystatedthatiftheywantedtoaddeffectiveimmediatelyitwouldbeeffective immediately,thereisnotawaitperiodliketherewaswhenitwasenacted. AgreementbetweentheCountyofFranklinandNewcomerAssociatesArchitecture&Engineeringfora scopeofservicesforcontinuedarchitecturalevaluationofthePatrickGassHouse.Thisnextphaseisto evaluateoccupancyoftheGasshouseportionofthebuildingforlimitedmuseumuseonlyandtheAlmshouse portionofthebuildingasBusinessuseforCountyoccupancyatacostof$12,920.00.Thiswillbepaidbythe CapitalProjectsFund.CommissionerZiobrowskipointedoutthatPatrickGasswasthedocumentor,secretary totheLewisandClarkexpeditionsothereÓsgreathistoricalvaluetotheproperty. AgreementbetweentheCountyofFranklinandMotorolaSolutionstomigratetheFlexCADserverand GISserverdataoncethenewserverhasbeenpurchasedandinplaceatacostof$13,528.99.Thiswillbe paidbyavailableAct12funds;costinexcessofavailableAct12fundswouldbepaidfromtheGeneralFund throughCountyContributiontothe9-11Program.JohnThierwechteraddedthattheyarerunningintospace concernswhichareimpactingthebackupswhichoccasionallytakethesystemdown. AgreementbetweentheCountyofFranklinandMagnetForensicsforpremiumforensictoolatacostof $11,820.00.ThiswillbepaidfromtheGeneralFund. QuotefromSoftchoicetoperformamigrationofourGoogleenvironmenttoaMicrosoftenvironment. Thiswillmigrateouremail,GoogleDocs,calendaring,etctoMicrosoft365.ItwillalsomigrateourMitelphone systemtoaMicrosoftTeamssolution.Duetothescopeandspecialtyofsuchamigration,professional servicesareneededtomakethesetransitionsatacostof$161,308.00.Thiswillbepaidbyanallocation acrossallCountyoperations.About68%isestimatedtobepaidfromtheGeneralFund. QuotefromCDWGovernmentLLCforlicensingMicrosoft365toreplacebothGoogleEnterpriseand theMitelphonesystem.ThiswillbeanoperationalexpensebilledannuallyandisquotedunderCCAP Contractpricingatacostof$208,093.38.ThiswillbepaidbyanallocationacrossallCountyoperations.About 68%isestimatedtobepaidfromtheGeneralFund.CommissionerFlanneryaskedanytimewhenyouchange aplatformlikethisandwithaslargeasweareinthecountyisitforeseenasasmoothtransition,especially goingfromGoogleemailtoMicrosoft?Istheregoingtobesomedowntimethatcouldcausethecountyorits employeesissueswithemailresponsesortelephones?Mr.Creagerrespondedthattheyhavethoughtthis throughprettythoroughly.Themigrationitselfhappensinthebackground.ItwonÓtbethatonedaytheystart migratingeverythingandthenextdayeverybodycomesinanditÓschaos.Themigrationwillhappeninthe backgroundandtheyÓllmoveeverythingoverandbetestedthoroughlybeforehandtomakesurethe operationalreadinessisthere.Theotherthingthattheyhaveaskedfromtheserviceprovideristoensurethat weÓrenotdoingemailandtelephonesatthesametimebecauseweneedatleastoneformofcommunicationif theunforeseenweretohappen.Theplanforthephonesistogofrombuildingtobuildingandmigratepeople probablyingroupsofnomorethan250atatimesothatanyonetimenoneofthecountyshouldbedown.He doesnÓtforeseeanytypeofunavailabilityofserviceswiththeexceptionofwhenweactuallymakethechange fromtheoldtelephonesystemovertothenewonethatwillcauseabriefbuttemporaryoutagethatwewold beabletocommunicateaheadoftime.Therewillalsobeaverystrongtrainingelementnotonlyforthefolks inITbutalsothecountyemployeesandensuringthatcommunicationandovercommunicationofthechange andtheimpactsthatitwillhave.Therearethingswithinthecountythatwillhavetoberebuiltbutthoseare internaltothecounty. AgreementbetweentheCountyofFranklinandEhrlichPestControlforpestmanagementand maintenancetotheDorsettBuildinglocatedat39NorthSecondStreet.DuetoCommunityConnections occupyingthisbuildingnow,wearerequestingtohavethebuildingtreatedmonthlyatacostof$720.00.This willbepaidbytheGeneralFund. AgreementbetweentheCountyofFranklinandVisionGovernmentSolutionsforComputerAidedMass Appraisal(CAMA)softwarefortheTaxServicesOffice.Thecurrentsoftwarewillnolongerbesupportedbythe currentvendorafterDec.31,2025.Thesoftwaremaintainstherecordofownershipandpropertyassessment dataforover72,000parcelsinFranklinCounty.Thesoftwareallowsustomanagetaxbillingfiles,appeal processandHomestead/Farmsteadeligibilityandletternotifications.Theupgradewillintegratewiththecounty GISdataandourTaxClaimcollectionsoftware.Initialsoftwarecostsof$585,000willbepaidbythe EquipmentReplacementReserveFindand$85,000annualmaintenancefeeswillbepaidbytheGeneral Fund.Ms.JodyMartinexplainedthattheprocesswasstartedayearandahalfagowiththeputtingouta requestforproposal(RFP)andhadfourvendorsrespond.TwoofthosedidnÓtmeetthePennsylvaniaspecific requirementandwereruledoutatthebeginning.Afterdoingathoroughlookatthetwowithallparties involved,especiallyourGISdepartment,ITdepartment,ourcurrentvendorforbilling,theywouldliketomove forwardwithVisionGovernmentSolutions.ThecurrentsoftwarewillnolongerbesupportedafterDecember 31st.CAMAsoftwaremaintainstherecordsofover72,000almost73,000parcelswhichincludesthelandand improvementsforeachproperty.Thesoftwareallowsformanagementoftaxbillingforthecounty,the municipalities,andtheschooldistrict.AppealsandHomestead/Farmsteadeligibilityandallletternotifications thataresentouttotaxpayersisallmanagedthroughthis.ThecurrentsoftwareisDosbasedandthisis Windowsbasedwhichwillincreaseefficienciesintrainingofanynewstaffcomingintosomethingthatlooks WindowsbasedversusorDoSbasedwithburiedscreensandsketchingvectors.Visionwillprovideadditional reportsandeasiernavigationthroughthedataentryscreens.Itallowsthemtocustomizethefieldssoifthey donÓtlikethenameofsomethingtheycanchangeittosomethingmorefamiliar.Thechangeofassessment noticesareacannednoticerightnowwhereitmayjustsayimprovement,leadingsometaxpayerstoaskwhat improvement?Thenewsoftwarewillallowmoredetailsotheycantellthetaxpayerwhattheimprovement was,allowingmoretransparencytothetaxpayerandeliminatephonecallsiftheyknowexactlywhatthe changeisgoingoutfor.CAMAwillalsointegratewithcountyGISandtaxclaimsoftware.Visionwillalso replacetheonlineplatformwithanimprovedhostingservicethatwillenabletaxpayerstoaccessassessment informationwitheasiernavigation.Datastoragewillgotocloudhostingwhichwillprovideaddedsecurity.Itwill takeuptooneyearfortheconversiontobefinalized. TheBoardconductedabidopeningfortheAdminAnnexDemo&Paving.Ms.GrayaskedMr.John Boozer,theconstructionmanagerandMichaelHenry,architectwithNoelkerandHull.StuartChristianson, presidentofNoelkerandHullwasalsorecognized.Thereweretwobidsthatwerepresentedtotheboard. Mr.Boozerstatedthatwearenearingtheendofthismuli-yearconsolidationeffort.Theplanwastogainalotof efficienciesinpeople,places,andthingsandallofthesethingsandwhereweÓresittingtodayiscertainlypart ofthat.Heishappytoseethelightattheendofthetunnelandhewantedtocomplimentallofthecountystaff asithasbeenapleasuretoworkwithalltheseniorpeopleinallthedifferentdepartments.ItÓsdelightfulwhen youcancomeintoagovernmentorganizationandfindtough,smart,capable,highintegrity,highvalues,high moralskindsofpeoplethatwanttodotherightthingandthebestthingfortheircitizens.Ithasbeena pleasuretoworkwithMs.Grayandherteam.HealsothankedtheCommissionersforseeingitthroughtothe end.Thisbidopeningisthefinalcoginalongjourney.Mr.BoozerrecognizedMr.Christiansonstatingthathis teamhavebeenapartnerthewholewaythroughandhavebeenrightbesidehiminthegoodtimesandthe badandhewantedtoextendthisthanksandgratitudetoNoelkerandHullforbeinganoutstandingpartner. Mr.HenryexplainedthescopeoftheprojectisthedemolitionoftheAdminAnnexbuildingormore affectionatelyknownastheSearsbuilding,levelingofthesiteandredevelopmentofaparkinglotformuch neededparking.Therewillbeadedicatedrightofwayfortheboroughtotheirbuildingandtheadjacent neighbor.Mr.Boozerstatedtherewerefiveorsixpeoplethatattendedthepre-bid.Weonlygottwo,butthe interestingpartforhiminevaluating,hewentanddidhisnormalresearchintothosethatattended,thetoptwo providersthathewouldlovetohaveseenbidandhaveanopportunityarethetwothatofferedquotes.Ina pre-qualification,andhewilldomore,lookingintotheirfinancialsandotherthingsbutinhispre-qualificationof themnumberoneandnumbertwoarethepeoplethatofferedquotes.Ms.Graystatedthatnotonlyisthis necessaryparking,itisrequiredbytheborough,itistofulfilltheobligationforthislanddevelopmentprocess fortheadministrativebuilding. CommissionerHorstreadthetwobidsthatwerereceived. ScottÓsHaulingandExcavating,Chambersburg,Pennsylvania Original$694,681.00 Alternativeone:EngineeredFilladd$78,456.00 Alternativetwo:RockExcavationadd$20,300.00 Alternativethree:SoilExcavationadd$39,563.00 DHMExcavating,Chambersburg,Pennsylvania Original$591,150.00 Alternativeone:EngineeredFill$101,500.00,theydidnÓtputaddordeduct Alternativetwo:RockExcavation$25,250.00,againtheydidnÓtputaddordeduct Alternativethree:SoilExcavation$46,250.00,onceagaintheydidnÓtputaddordeduct Ms.GrayaskedfortwoweeksforstafftocomebacktotheBoardonDecember11thwith recommendationsafterperformingduediligence. TheBoardconductedabidopeningforFireSystemsTest&InspectionsServices.Ms.Grayintroduced Ms.RobinHarmon,ProcurementDirectorandMs.TammyZook,BusinessManagerfortheFranklinCounty Jail. Ms.Harmonstatedthisismoreofaroutineprojectthanthelastone.Thisisforthefiresystemsevery year.inspectionsatthejailandincludestheinspectionandtestofthefirealarmdevicesandsprinkler.There arefourdifferenttests,quarterlytestsbysemiannualandannual.Theannualonesaremuchmoreindepth thanthequarterlyonestomakesureallthefirealarmlightsareworking,thesprinklersareingoodshape,that shouldaneventhappentheyÓllbereadytoworkasneeded. Ms.Zookstatedthatthecurrentcontractisabouttoexpireandshehasbeenworkingwithprocurement justtomakesuretheyaredoingtheirduediligenceandfindingthebestvendorwiththebestprice. CommissionerHorstaskedifoneofthethreebidderswasthecurrentcontractholder?Ms.Zookstatedno, theymissedthebid,butdidaskthatifitfellthroughtocontactthem. CommissionerHorstreadthethreebidsthatwerereceived. BSGI$130,361.00 Siemens$80,656.30 TriangleFireProtection$85,693.00 Thiscontractwillbeforfiveyearsandisnotanannualcost.Staffwillcomebacktoyounextweek, December4thwithrecommendationsafterperformingduediligence. CountyAdministratorCarrieGrayintroducedHumanResourcesDirectorTiffanyBloyertopresentthe EmployeeoftheMonth.OnbehalfoftheSTARCommittee(SpecialThanksAndRecognition),theEmployee oftheMonthawardgoestoMs.NicoleShindle.Ms.ShindlehasbeenemployedwithFranklinCountysince Julyof2006.ShecurrentlyservesasthePayroll/HRISAdministratorintheHumanResourcesDepartment. TheselectionfortheNovember2024EmployeeoftheMonthwasdeterminedbytheSTARCommittee.There werefifteennominations,oneofwhichwasforNicole.Icannotthinkofanyonemoredeservingofwinning employeeofthemonthmorethanNicoleShindle.Shehasbeenshortstaffed,anddoeseverythingthatshe cantoensurethatallCountyemployeesarepaidproperlyandtimely.Thisisnotasimpletask,asthisposition requiresalotofattentiontodetailandafocusonaccuracy.YoucanalwayscountonNicoletoprovideclear directiononanymatterthatsheishandling!Sheisquicktorespondtoemailsandphonecallsnomatterhow manyprojectssheisjuggling.ItisemployeeslikeNicolethatmakeFranklinCountyagreatplacetowork! Nicoleisthedefinitionofhardwork,dedication,andcommitment,notjusttoherjobbuttotheemployeesof theCounty.Sheisforwardthinkingandalwayslookingforsolutions.Shedemonstratesastrongworkethicand dedicationtoachievingresults.KnownastheDevilÓsAdvocatetoalloweveryonetoseebothsides,sheÓs alwaysavoiceofreasonfortheothersideofthesituation.Nicolealwaysgoesaboveandbeyondtohelpher colleaguesandfindsolutions.SheÓsanexcellentpeerandteammember. Ms.Shindleisgratefultohavereceivedemployeeofthemonth.Shehasbeendoingpayrollformany years.ItÓshereverydaydobandsheenjoysit. CommissionerHorststatedthatweappreciatehavingyouherebecausewealllikegettingpaid.Those charactertraitsarethetypeofpeoplewewanthereinourcounty. CommissionerZiobrowskisaidhelovesthedescriptionofherasthedevil'sadvocatebecausewithout anirritantanoysterisjustanoyster,nopearl.ItÓsgoodtohaveacontrarianonceinawhile. CommissionerFlannery'swifehasdonepayrollforhimforyears.HeappreciatestheworkthatMs. Shindledoesandhehasheardsecondhandsomeofthecrazinessthatshehastodealwithandhe appreciatesherpassionforwhatshedoes. Ms.GrayintroducedJanelleFriese,FiscalDirector,andTeresaBeckner,ChiefFinancialOfficer,forthe 2025ProposedBudgetpresentation.Ms.BecknerstatedthatthismorningtheyÓreheretopresenttheBoard withtheproposedbudget.Thecomprehensivebudgetbinder,referredtoastheÐcountercopyÑ,whichcontains detailedreports,includingfinancialbreakdownswithinformationaboutrevenueprojectionsanddepartmental expenditures.Thiswillbeavailableforanyonewhowouldliketoviewitphysicallyandthesesamereportscan beviewedontheCountyÓswebsite.AspecialthankyougoestotheCommissionersÓOfficestaffandvarious otherindividualsinboththeCountyandcommunityforprovidinginformationandassistance.Herethis morning,wehaveasummarypresentationoftheproposedbudgetforyouwithsomekeyhighlightsfromthe BudgetinBrief.StartingwiththeGeneralFundfirst,wheresheprovidedanoverview.ThePreliminary(All Requests)budgetwaspresentedtotheBoardonOctober23rdandshowedover$13millionofGeneralFund reservesneededtopayfortheoperational,personnelandcapitalrequestsofallGeneralFundsupported operations.Thatwas$7millionmorethanweprojectedtohaveavailable.FollowingTheBoardsreviewand discussion,youprovideddirectionforustouseindevelopingtheproposed2025budget.Inmeetingyour objectives,theyevaluateddepartmentrequestsfor2025andconsideredallavailablerevenuesources,before lookingatexistingreserves.Consistentwithyourdirectivefornotaxincrease,thebudgetweÓreproposingfor 2025containsthesamemillageratesas2024,reflectingyourcommitmenttocontinueprovidingquality serviceswhileminimizingthefinancialimpactonourcommunity.Inaddition,weÓvebeenabletomaintainour fundbalancereservesconsistentwithourpolicyandbestpractices.Aspartofthebudgetprocessthisyear, theymetwitheverycourtoperation,electedofficial,anddirectortotalkabouttheservicestheiroperations provideandhowtheymeetcommissionerpriorities;theyreviewedtheirbudgetrequestsandtalkedabout capitalneeds,staffingcomplements,existingrevenueandopportunitiestoexpandit,andhistoricalspending trends.Indevelopingthefinalproposalpresentedtoday,theyusedtheprioritiesyouprovided,andinformation gainedfromthebudgetmeetings.Theyutilizedotherfundstopayforminorandmajorcapitalitemswhere possible,includingdiscretionaryfundsthatseveraloperationshaveaccessto.Ourcapitalprojectsfund,Fund 40(nottobeconfusedwiththeCourtFacilityImprovementProjectFunds),equipmentreplacementfund,Fund 41,andexcessWorkersÓCompFundreserves,Fund24,arebudgetedtopayfor$4.3millionofcapitalitems thatwouldhaveotherwisebeenfundedbyGeneralFunddollars.Theystrategicallyoptimizedallothersources ofrevenuebeforeturningtoGeneralFundreserves.Asaresultoftheseconsiderations,theproposedGeneral Fundbudgetshortfallfor2025utilizesonly$3.2millionofreserves.With2024projectedbudgetperformance usingaminimalamountofreserves,wearestillabletomeettheboardÓsdirectiveofmaintainingreserve balancescapableofcovering60daysofGeneralFundexpenditures.Ms.FriesestartedwiththeGeneralFund revenuebudgetfor2025is$55.8millionwhichisabout$400,000morethantheGeneralFundrevenuebudget for2024.Themajorityofrevenueinthegeneralfundcomesfrompropertytaxesbutthegeneralfundalso receivesrevenuefromchargesforservices,thefederalandstategovernmentaswellasinterestincomeand othermiscellaneoussources.The2025budgetincludesnopropertytaxincreasesothepropertytaxmillage rateforgeneralpurposesremainsthesamesince2016at25Mills.Thoughthereisnoincreaseinpropertytax millage,theCountydoesexpectasmallincreaseinpropertytaxrevenuerelatedtoanincreaseintaxbase fromnewconstructionthathasoccurredduringtheyear.The2025budgetaccountsforanincreaseintax baseof1.5%,orabout$600,000ofgeneralfundrevenue.ThetotalGeneralFundexpensebudgetis$59.1 millionfor2025,comparedtotherevisedbudgetfor2024of$58.2million,anincreaseofabout$900,000,or 1.5%.Ms.Becknerstatedthatintotal,theproposedGeneralFundoperatingbudgetfor2025amountsto revenuesof$55.8millionandexpensesof$59million.GeneralFundunrestrictedreservesof$3.2millionare neededtobalancethebudget.Asevidencedonthepreviousslidethatcomparedthe2025proposedbudgetto the2024revisedbudget,youcanseethattheincrementalgrowthinrevenueisnÓtsufficienttoclosethegap createdwiththerisingrateofexpenses.Eachyearasrevenues,fromallsources,remainflat,thechallengewe faceinmeetingtheseobjectivesgetsmoredifficult.Theystrategicallyusestateandfederalallocations,grants, andallotherinternalandexternalresourcesavailableinordertooptimizethevalueofservicestheyÓreableto providetoourcommunitywiththefundsavailable.Risingcosts,inflation,andincreaseddemandforservices createachallenge.Basedoncurrentyearbudgetperformanceandtheimpactofthisproposedbudget,they estimateGeneralFundunrestrictedreservestobe$9.9millionattheendof2025.Thatequatesto61daysof GeneralFundexpenses,whichmeetstheBoardÓsdirectivetomaintainatleast60daysinreserves.Italso complieswithourpolicyandtherecommendationofourauditorsandGovernmentFinanceOfficers Associationbestpractices.Theabilitytomaintainreservesatthe60-90dayslevelhasservedasacashflow safetynetatthestartofeachyear,makingitpossibletoavoidtheneedtoborrowmoneyforoperationsduring thefirstquarter.Astheystrivetomaintaincriticalprogramsandservices,itputsastrainonourreserve balances.Itisanongoingobjectivetoaddressthesefinancialrealitieswithlong-termsustainability.Ms. BecknercontinuedshowingthebreakdownoftheallocationofthespendingofapropertytaxdollarthatÓs includedintheBudget-in-Brief.AsMs.FrieseshowedwhenyoulookedattheGeneralFundrevenue,property taxesarethemainsourceofrevenueintheGeneralFund.Thisshowshowthegeneralpurposeoroperating millagepropertytaxdollarsaredistributedtovarioustypesofoperationssupportedbyCountytaxdollars.This doesnotincludetaxescollectedfordebtservicewhichareusedexclusivelyforpayingprincipalandintereston Countybonds,notes,andotherlong-termdebt.AnditdoesnÓtincludeotherrevenues.Theirapproach continuestobethattheFranklinCountytaxpayeristhepayeroflastresort,meaningthatweuseother allowablesourcesofrevenuebeforeusingtaxdollarsforoperations.Ms.Friesecontinuedwiththetaxdollar shownismeanttopresentavisualimageofhowacountytaxpayerÓsdollarisspent.Thefirstcategoryis Crime,Courts,andCorrections.Foreverytaxdollarcollected,77¢goestothisarea.Thisincludesallcourt relatedoffices,jailoperations,drugtaskforce,DistrictAttorneyandpublicdefenderoffices,adultandjuvenile probation,andGeneralFundtransferstocourt-relatedoperations.CommunityandTaxpayerServicesisthe nextcategoryandrequires8¢ofaGeneralFundtaxdollarin2025.Thiscategoryismadeupoftaxservices, GIS,planning,archives,voterregistrationandelections,andsupporttoculture,heritageandrecreationaswell ascommunityandeconomicdevelopment.FinancialandAdministrativeServicesalsouses8¢ofeachtax dollar,andincludestheControllerandTreasurerÓsoffices,CommissionersÓoffice,insurancecosts,and administrativeserviceschargedbacktotheGeneralFund.3¢ofeverygeneralfundtaxdollargoesHuman Services.WhentheytalkabouttheCounty-widebudget,theyÓlltalkmoreabouttheactualamounttheCounty spendsonitshumanserviceprograms,butthisrepresentsthegeneralfundcontributionstothosehuman serviceprogramsincludingaging,drugandalcohol,mentalhealth,intellectualanddevelopmentaldisabilities, earlyintervention,veteransÓaffairs,andvariousothersmallprograms.EmergencyServicesuses2¡ofeach taxdollarin2025.ThiscategoryrepresentstheoperationoftheCountyÓsemergencymanagementagency andGeneralFundsupportto911andhazmat.Theremaining2centsofeachtaxdollarisclassifiedasÐOtherÑ. ThiscategoryisprimarilypropertymanagementservicesforGeneralFundCountybuildings.Ms.Beckner statedthatyoumaynotreadilythinkaboutmanyofthewaysthattheCountyservesourcitizens,untilyou considerthatthisiswhereyougetamarriagelicense,recordthedeedtoyourproperty,registertovote,geta doglicenseoragunpermit,payaspeedingticket,fileforveteransÓbenefits,getassistanceforachildor elderlyrelativeinneed,filefordivorceandchildsupport,participateinthecourtsysteminanynumberofways, enjoythesafetyofacountybridge,orsomeofthequalityoflifeactivitiesthatresultfromlong-termplanning. Andtherearemanymore.Theassuranceofavoiceontheotherendofa911callorprotectionofthosemost vulnerable,administrationofjusticethroughthecourts,thejail,andadultandjuvenileprobation,andthelife enrichingactivitiesataseniorcenter.Thefundstopayfortheseactivitiescomefrommultiplesources.Tax dollars,whileasignificantportion,areonlyonearea.AsweÓvetalkedaboutandshownwiththenumbers, FranklinCountygetsrevenuefromfederalandstateallocations,grants,partnerships,fees, contributionsandother.Asmentionedearlier,weoptimizeeverydollarofrevenuethatwe receiveinordertomaximizetheamountofserviceswecanprovideandminimizethefinancial impactonourlocaltaxpayers.YouÓvealreadyseenhowyourlocaltaxdollarisspent.Thisvisualimageisto showhowALLCountyresourcesarespent,regardlessofthefundingsource.ThelargestshareofALL revenuetheCountyreceives($30.18)isspentonHumanServices,suchasChildrenandYouthServices; MentalHealth/IntellectualandDevelopmentalDisabilitiesandEarlyInterventionServices;AreaAgencyon Aging;DrugandAlcohol,andotherservicesthatsupportVeterans,HousingandCommunityServices.Nextin lineat$21.19outof$100ofALLrevenuegoestoPublicSafety,whichinthiscaseincludesEmergency ManagementAgency,911Center,Hazmat,AdultandJuvenileProbation,andtheJail.$14.08ofALLrevenue supportstheGeneralGovernment,includingElectionsandVotersÓServices,TaxServices,Planning, GeographicInformationSystems,RecorderofDeeds,ArchivesandRecordsManagement,CommissionersÓ Office,Fiscal,Procurement,HumanResources,InformationTechnology,andPropertyManagement.Judicial Servicesaresupportedby$14.02outofevery$100ofALLrevenuethattheCountyreceives.JudicialServices encompassesCourtAdministration,theMagisterialDistrictJudges,Coroner,ClerkofCourts,Prothonotary, RegisterofWills,Sheriff,andDomesticRelations.TheCountyuses$11.37ofevery$100ofrevenuefor CapitalProjectsandDebtServicepayments.Andfinally$9.16ofevery$100ofALLrevenueisspenton CommunitySupportandPublicWorks,includingcommunityandeconomicdevelopment,cultureandheritage, recreation,andtheCountyÓsbridgeprogram.Sowhilewefocusontaxdollarsandhowtheyspendtaxdollars, theyalsowanttohighlightthebiggerpictureaswell.Theproposed2025budgethasnotaxincrease.Itwas builtmaximizingallrevenuesourcesandholdingthelineonoperatingcosts,butprovidingforprioritiesthe boardhasdefined,includingusingtechnologytocreateandenhanceefficiencieswithoutcompromising servicestoveteransandthevulnerablepopulationswesupport.Thebudgetcontinuestoprioritizepublic safety.Thebudgetprovidesforapayincreasetoemployeesandfundingtoattractandretainquality applicants.Itprioritizespersonnelandcapitalexpansionasdeemednecessary,andlookingforalternatives whennot.Theproposedbudgetmaintains60daysÓGeneralFundexpensesinreserves.CommissionerHorst thankedthemforthedetailtheywentthroughandthehoursofpeeringovernumbersandequationsandfor followingtheirdirective.CommissionerZiobrowskiaskedifwedidnÓtusereservesandhadnofundsavailable fromARPAorothercapitalaccounts,howmuchwouldweneedtobalancethebudget?Ms.Friesewewould needabout$9million.Theyhavethe$3.3millionthattheyareanticipatingusingalongwithanticipatingusing ARPAfundsof$1.8milliontogettothe$3.3millionandFund41forequipmentreplacement.Theyareusing Workman'scompandbondfundsforjailsecuritysystemupgrade.CommissionerZiobrowskistatedFiscaldid anexcellentjobvetting.Hehadoriginallystatedhewasinfavorofnotaxormillageincreaseandwiththatasa goalithelpedthemÐsharpentheirpencilsÑtocutspending.Butgiventhelargedeficitintheoperationsbudget, hedoesnÓtagreewiththeproposedamountofdeficitspending.Thecommissionersneedtodiscussamillage increase,butthatisnotontodayÓsagenda..CommissionerFlannerystatedwithrespecttoCommissioners ZiobrowskiÓsstatement,theworldiscomingtoanendandwehaveissues.Attheendoftheday,bringitdown tothelevelofthecommonperson.Hethinkswehavetoconsideratthispointthereisnoneedforatax increase.WhenlookingatFranklinCountytherearesomanyopportunities.CommissionerHorsthadone questionpertainingtodeficitspending.Ifnothingchanges,weneedatleasta60dayminimumofreserve, correct?Ms.Friesestatedthatperpolicyyes.CommissionerHorstthenaskedifwecontinuedownthisroadof deficitspending,howmanyyearsdowehave?Ms.Becknerstateditdependsonhowourbudgetdoes.This yearitis61days.TheskyisnÓtfallingbutwedonÓthavelongtermsustainability.Keeplookingforsavingsand alternatefunds.CommissionerFlannerysaidtherehavebeensomegreatthingswehavedoneinthepast yearortwoandtheremightbemoreopportunitiesinthefutureandwecanprepareforthat.Wehavenew leadershipinpowerandhavenoideawhatthatmeansfortheCounty.Weneedtoholdtheline.Ms.Gray statedthiswillbeonthecountertillDecember18thforwhenwewillasktheboardforbudgetapproval.The presentationismadeapartoftheseminutes. Themeetingwasadjournedat11:43a.m.byRobertG.Ziobrowski,secondedbyJohnT.Flannery. CarrieE.Gray CountyAdministrator/ChiefClerk FRANKLINCOUNTYCOMMISSIONERS ____________________________________ DeanA.Horst,Chairman ____________________________________ JohnT.Flannery Robert G Ziobrowski Robert G Ziobrowski (Dec 4, 2024 10:08 EST) ___________________________________ RobertG.Ziobrowski The Franklin County Commissioners proudly presented the November 2024 Employee of the Month award to Nicole Shindle. Nicole has been employed by Franklin County since July 2006 and serves as the payroll/HRIS administrator in the countyÓs human resources department. Nicole was also named Employee of the Month in February 2021. NovemberÓs Employee of the Month recipient was determined by the Special Thanks and Recognition (STAR) Committee, which received 15 nominations for the November award, one of which was for Nicole. ÐI cannot think of anyone more deserving of winning employee of the month than Nicole Shindle,Ñ said the paid properly and timely. This is not a simple task, as this position requires a lot of attention to detail and a focus on accuracy. You can always count on Nicole to provide clear direction on any matter that she is handling. She is quick to respond to emails and phone calls no matter how many projects she is juggling. It is employees like Nicole that make Franklin County a great place to work.Ñ to county employees. She is forward thinking and always looking for solutions. She demonstrates a strong work ethic and dedication to achieving results. Known as the DevilÓs Advocate, Nicole allows everyone to see both sides; sheÓs always a voice of reason for the other side of the situation. Nicole always goes above and beyond to help her NicoleÓs outstanding characteristics are attributes that have not gone unnoticed by her peers. She is described as responsive, dedicated, detail oriented and a problem solver. The Franklin County Commissioners congratulated Nicole on her recognition and thanked her t e A g P d , y t u n u B o C n d i l k e n a s r F o 5 p 2 o 0 r 2 P d n u M F 8 l . a r 5 e n 5 2024 2025 e Revenue G$ ddddd nn uu FFFFF ll aa rr ee nn ee GG (sum may not total due to rounding) $ in millions 25.0 1.5% 24 0 Unchanged since 2016 20242 n g i 4 n 2 i d e e t e 0 s s n a g 2 a ra u a e b e 2025 l r l m i F p cx o l nar OM Itf $ in millions a r e n e Property TaxesG d n u M F 1 l . a r 9 e n 5 e 2025 2024 Expense G$ (sum may not total due to rounding) $ in millions d n u F M l a r 3 . e n 5 e Transfers G$ Domestic Relations (12.5%) ) 6.2% ( y s enc g ervice Emergency Emer Services(6.2%)S Ag Preservation(2.8%) Human Services (78.5%) 00 0 0 00 ,, 00 77 00 ,, 9 9 55 $ $ d n u F 0 0 0 0 0 l 0 0 0 0 , , , a 0 0 0 7 4 r 3 0 8 2 , , , e 9 5 3 5 5 $ n $ $ e G d n u F M l a r 2 $9.9M . e n 3 e Use of Reserves G$ 2025 reserves at year end Estimated unrestricted y c n s e e (.01) 2024 r (.03) 2024 g c ri e v e h r t me .02 O .02 ES s n e a c i v m e r d u v i (.03) 2024 e n t H S a a r l t s a s i i e .03 c (.07) 2024 nc ii n v a mr n de i FAS .08 tax dollarspent? d n u F, s t r r e u l y s y o t a n i a C p on s i r x t u (.07) 2024 e , a c (.79) 2024 c em e i eT r v mr m r d d i n roo e n n .08 .77 e CaC CaS G How is a s d n u F l l A , s e c i v r e S l l A & s d & n u F y s r n a i o i c t u a M rd i e 7 F p . d O n 2 y a t 6 t n s u 1 u o r Expenses $ CT 6 1 . 9 $ Support & Community Public Works 7 3 . ? 1 5 1 $ 2 Capital & 0 Debt Service 2 n i 2 0 t . 4 n 1 Judicial e $ p s e 8 b 0 . 4 s 1 General e $ c Government r u o s 9 y 1 e r . r 0 e 1 v 2 Public Safety s e $ ' 0 f y o t t 1 u n O u 8 $ o 1 . 0 C 3 Human $Services e h t l l i w s n w o o i t H a r e p O y t n u o C to other County operations 911 center and emergency serviceshuman service programsthe County's bridge programvarious grant programsdepartments that provide technology, personnel,and financial support services ¤¤¤¤¤ elected officialsjailplanningveteran affairscourt-related officesvoter servicescapital projectsdebt service ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤