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Home My WebLink About2025-07-30 Commissioner Minutes WEDNESDAY, July 30, 2025 The Franklin County Commissioners met on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, with the following members present: John T. Flannery and Robert G. Ziobrowski. Commissioner Flannery presided and after calling the meeting to order, a Moment of Silence, and the Pledge of Allegiance, proceeded with the business of the day. He stated that Commissioner Horst had a previous engagement and would not be attending. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board unanimously approved to adopt the agenda. The minutes of the July 23, 2025 meeting were reviewed. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board unanimously approved the minutes. Commissioner Flannery called Prison Board to order at 10:04 AM. Prison Board was adjourned at 10:05 AM. There was public comment from Kim Wertz who stated that there might not be much the County can do but she would like the Board to put a bug in the ear of those in Harrisburg. She would like to see the Mental Health budget increased from $10 million to $20 million and if anything, to see if they can also increase Human Services Block Grant budget because the need is not going to decrease. The demand is not going to decrease but the funds stay stagnate or decrease which puts a strain not only on state citizens but also the citizens of each county, especially here in Franklin County. Valerie Jordan who stated last week she shared the 2025 budget numbers and this week would like to go into it a little bit deeper. The Affordable Housing Trust Fund helps homeless children and their parents, homeless veterans, homeless adults, Franklin County employees, local contractors, her husband and herself. She believes that the county cut $4.4 million from the trust fund in fiscal year 2025. million remained in the trust fund from the standpoint of her own county tax bill. If the$4.4 million was kept in the trust fund, her county tax bill would only go up another $29.83 per year or $0.08 per day. She reminded everyone that last week she shared her credit card bill that she paid in full for $19,451.00. That same card for the month of July is $1,542.32 which is still higher than her annual county tax bill of $1,103.61. She then asked that the $4.4 million plus a bit more of county tax dollars be put back into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for Fiscal Year 2026. She asked that it be done while we all get to say a silent prayer at county meetings. She then went on to say there are 298 homeless students in Franklin County that made her think about permeant housing for them. In 2022 18,032 Franklin County residents received food stamps. Thpopulation. people away.When it comes to SNAP, local grocery stores win with SNAP benefits down from s budget and if ing she will still email the county insisting that the $4.4 million goes back into the trust fund because we have a lot of poor here. She concluded that she was on the Rail Trail and approached a homeless veteran whom was in need of help and she told him to go to the Salvation Army. A few weeks later she saw another veteran walked up to him and told him there are veterans in this county that are homeless. He told her That made her mad because her father was a veteran and he would have been mad as well if he was alive. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board unanimously approved all consent agenda items to include: All bills presented and ordered paid in the amount of $1,684,902.09. Project Modification Request between the County of Franklin and Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to re-budget about $20,000.00 in unspent funds to extend the public defender bonuses until the end of the grant period. This is in line with the existing executive summary for the grant. Approval needed to accept repository sale bid of $120.00 which will get the property back on taxing status to collect taxes on the property located in Letterkenny Township. Approval needed to exonerate taxes in the amount of $76.05 and $1,650.32 for mobile homes that were on the repository list, the County can no longer sell them due to one being demolished in Guilford Township and the other one burnt down in Montgomery Township. The Board reviewed regular agenda items. County Administrator Carrie Gray provided a high-level overview of each of the actions. Agreement between the County of Franklin and Transitions Healthcare to lease 25 surface parking spaces located at 150 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Price per space is $275.00 per year for a total amount of $6,875.00. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board unanimously approved the agreement. Commissioner Flannery introduced Human Resources Director Tiffany Bloyer to present the Employee of the Month for July. The Franklin County Commissioners, on behalf of the STAR Committee (Special Thanks And Recognition) proudly presents the Employee of the Month award to Tammy Zook. Ms. Zook has been employed with Franklin County since December of 2008. She currently serves as a Business Manager in the Jail Department. The selection for the July 2025 Employee of the Month was determined by the STAR Committee. There were 17 nominations, one of which was for Tammy. Human Resources Director Tiffany Bloyer read the nomination forms which are attached to these minutes. Commissioner Flannery first congratulated Ms. Zook and stated that it was last year when the Prison Board took a tour through the jail and getting to her part and he thinks she was extremely nervous but what she covered was extremely impressive. Her knowledge and how thorough she was. Every time he is ounty Jail without picturing her being a part of it. He thanked her for her service to the county and hopes that she will be here for a very long time. Commissioner Ziobrowski stated that Commissioner Flannery annotated some of her best qualities, but what really impresses him beyond that is her attitude. She is always smiling and always friendly in a situation at a jail that is not always conducive to such an attitude. That is wonderful for the jail in general and wonderful for us. Ms. Zook stated that it was truly humbling to hear such kind not one person or even one department that makes this county successful. The county is filled with incredibly hardworking, talented, caring, intelligent people that pour their heart and soul into each and every day and into generally honored that she works alongside some of the most coming together, entire Franklin County Jail that she proudly represents. Thank you for the nomination and the award. She truly appreciates it. She also thanked her husband who gives her support as he is her calm to her storm. Warden Franzoni stated she would second everything that Ms. Zook said about the county and the jail. This award is way overdue. never taking time for herself. She would be a lost soul without her. Without the deputy wardens and administration at the jail and Ms. Zook guiding her on how to do an AFR the first day. Ms. Zook helped and does it with a smile and has never made her feel inadequate or anything in her position. without having Ms. Zook on her team. Commissioner Flannery introduced Human Services Administrator Stacie Horvath, Human Services Fiscal manager Stacy Rowe, and Grants Management Director Melodie Hoff to conduct the public hearing on the Human Services Block Grant (HSBG) for 2025/26. The presentation is attached and made a part of these minutes. This was the second public hearing before submitting for the grant. Ms. Horvath provided the purpose, history and background of the HSBG. The block grant started in Fiscal Year 2012-2013 as a pilot program allowing 20 counties to participate. The Block Grant is now open to all counties in Pennsylvania. Ms. Horvath explained that during Fiscal Year 2017-2018, the allowable carry-over was increased from 3% to 5%. The increase to 5% removed the option for a waiver request to the State. She continued that Franklin County Human Service Block Grant has unspent funds from the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 of $129,000.00. This amount is the maximum allowable carryover into the current Fiscal Year 2024-2025, which is within our 5% allowed. Ms. Hoff stated that they received the paperwork on June 11, 2025. The first public meeting was virtual and in person and held on Wednesday, July 24, 2025 with a notification online and in the newspaper 10 days in advance. The final draft will be before the Commissioners next week for review and signature and is due to the State on Monday, August 11, 2025. Ms. Horvath continued that since 2012 Human Services has been successfully able to reallocate funds to initiate new services and expand existing programs which otherwise may not have been supported without the financial assistance of $1,989,980.00. Ms. Rowe explained the Fiscal planning and preparation and that HSBG monies are categorical which means they must be used for a specific purpose and have restrictions as to how the money can be spent. She explained further that they have the opportunity to repurpose block grant dollars to reach out and provide options to better the lives of thousands within our community. Ms. Rowe provided the 2025-2026 projected budget of $6,040,451.00 and an estimated total of 8,456 individualswill receive services. Ms. Rowe explained the departmental program highlights which include programs from Franklin County Veterans Affairs Department for the Military Share (food and nutrition) Outreach Program, Franklin/Fulton Single County Authority (SCA) and Franklin/Fulton Mental Health, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Early Intervention. Ms. Horvath provided some program highlights including in 2024 they served more than 101,000 center-based and home-delivered meals through the Franklin County Area Agency on Aging. They also distributed over 8,000 local She thanked everyone for their generous time, attention, and caring to help make life better for all consumers within Franklin County. The Franklin Fulton Mental Health Program hired a fourth Co-Responder who stared in May. This position works with Adult Probation, Juvenile Probation, Commissioner Ziobrowski statedthat on the agenda for the Borough of Chambersburg Council, this past Monday, were allocating a significant amount of money toward the co-responder program.He asked who was paying for the co-responder programs and are we getting support from various municipalities police departments for it. Mental Health Administrator StaceyBrookens stated that some comes from the Borough and the County also pays some. Ms. Horvath also thanked the commissioners for their support not only for the Block Grant but for the Human Services programs and for being aware of what the community needs.Commissioner Flannery wanted to confirm that the grant would be before them next week and will be submitted by August 11, 2025. Commissioner Flannery introduced District Court Administrator Mark Singerto present the Court Administrationprogram to keep everyone well acquainted with the different programs with their emerging trends, topics of interest and any concerns they may have. Hispresentation was made a part of these minutes.Commissioner Flannerythanked Mr. Singerfor taking the time to come and present this publicly. He obviously has a tremendous amount of passionfor five or 10 minutes. The meeting was adjourned at 11:18a.m. on a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery. Carrie E. Gray County Administrator/Chief Clerk FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ____________________________________ John T. Flannery, Vice Chairman ___________________________________ Robert G. Ziobrowski FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Dean A. Horst, Chairman John T. Flannery STAR COMMITTEE Robert G. Ziobrowski Special Thanks And Recognition Committee Tiffany Bloyer, HR Director 272North Second Street ~ Chambersburg, PA 17201 Telephone (717) 261-3150 Fax (717) 261-3156 July 30, 2025 The Franklin County Commissioners on behalf of the STAR Committee (Special Thanks And Recognition) proudly presents the Employee of the Month award to Tammy Zook. Ms. Zook has been employed with Franklin County since December of 2008. She currently serves as a Business ManagerintheJail Department. The selection for the July2025Employee of the Month was determined by the STAR Committee. There were seventeen nominations, one of which was for Tammy. The STAR nomination form asks what recent events or occurrence made you select Tammy and the answer stated: Tammy consistently exceeds the expectations of her role, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to excellence and a sincere dedication to supporting her colleagues. She is always willing to step in wherever needed, whether it’s assisting a coworker, addressing urgent issues, or managing complex responsibilities with professionalism and poise. Her ability to balance her core duties while remaining accessible and helpful to multiple departments is truly commendable. Tammy’s extensive knowledge of the Jail and County, along with her approachable and solution-oriented demeanor, makes her a highly valued resource for both staff and leadership. She exemplifies integrity, reliability, and teamwork, setting a strong example through her work ethic and unwavering dedication to the success of our facility and the mission of the County. Her presence significantly enhances our workplace culture and contributes to the smooth operation of the Jail, even in high-pressure situations. Tammy is an invaluable asset, and we are fortunate to have her as part of our team. I strongly recommend Tammy Zook for Employee of the Month in recognition of her outstanding contributions and the positive impact she has on all who work with her. Ms. Zook’s outstanding characteristics are attributes that have not gone unnoticed by her peers. Those who work alongside Tammy used numerous positive words to describe her. These included leadership, solution oriented, and integrity. We are so grateful to Ms. Zook as she exudes a high standard of knowledge, leadership and excellence to the employees and residents of Franklin County. Sincerely, The STAR Committee TLB/enn cc: Personnel File; Supervisor Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (717) 264-8474 Telephone: (717) 261-3150 Fax: (717) 261-3156 Website: www.franklincountypa.gov based human services that - LEGISLATIVE PURPOSE To provide locally identified, countymeet the specific needs of their residents.To allow counties greater flexibility and local control in how they fund and deliver essential human services.To open the lines of communication and collaboration amongst a variety of stakeholders to identify strengths, weaknesses, and potential barriers to services for the community. Established through Act 80 of 2012, allowing counties to respond more effectively to the specific needs in their communities: over - 13 as 2025 FY of - - 2026. - 20 counties. The Block Grant will be carried over and will be . The increase to 5% removed the original 5% KEY POINTS amount is within the 5% maximum 18, the County allowable carry waiver request to the State. - this from 3% to was one of the program allowing 20 counties to participate. Franklin open to all counties. pilot HUMAN SERVICES BLOCK GRANT $129,000. The Block Grant was established in FY 12aCountyis now During FY 17increasedoption for a There were unspent funds from the 2024*allowability. These moniesrepurposed into the current FY2025 level human service - GRANT PLAN GUIDELINES HUMAN SERVICES BLOCK Counties are encouraged to undertake a comprehensive planning process that includes all countysystems.Each county will submit one (1) plan to the Department of Human Services (DHS) that includes the information outlined in the instructions and guidelines.Prior to submitting the plan to DHS, the county must conduct public hearings in accordance with the Sunshine Act.Two (2) public hearings are required for counties participating in the block grant. , County while the . Representation. community input (6) from Persons with committees, are required outcomes Six services to County Commissioners for for all funding/program leadership , and track . Franklin County Block Grant Community Expertise goals (6) from final voting approval , develop Six voting recommendations HUMAN SERVICES , cost effective, and efficient and needs have the quality local BLOCK GRANT PLANNING categorical representation identify County planning teams, established as tosupporting Planning committees are vital in the role of providing goal creation, and final approval of the block grant plan.Each participating county designs their own planning committees which includes membership is comprised of 12 voting members. Lived Experience Voting Committee Members make full recommendations Commissioners proposals. of new 18 to establish membership, Request for Additional Funds - Boarding and Training - On occur as needed. Statement and Request Form. review ongoing operations and procedures. 19 an internal committee was formed to review policies and - members to outline the purpose of the Block Grant and the roles, voting capability/requirements, and term limits. were created and adopted in FY 17 Laws HUMAN SERVICES BLOCK GRANT - By memberProcedures were established forcommitteeexpectations for thequality improvement updatesDuring FY 18procedures.Working committees continue to be formed when needed for special projects or to INTERNAL PROCESS AND PROCEDURES June 11, 2025 2026 - July 30, 2025 August 11, 2025 July 24, 2025 PLANNING SCHEDULE FISCAL YEAR 2025 Plan guidelines and template released: Public notification of meetings issued via the website and newspaper are required to be placed 10 days in advance.First Public Hearing: Second Public Hearing: Plan Due to the State: : which categorical monies are money can be spent. Services (IDD) must be used for a specific purpose and have CATEGORICAL ALLOWABILITY HUMAN SERVICES BLOCK GRANT Mental Health Community Based Funded Services (MH)Behavioral Health Services InitiativeIntellectual & Developmental Disabilities Community Based FundedAct 152 Drug and Alcohol Services (D&A)Homeless Assistance Program FundingHuman Services Development Funds (HSDF) Human Services Block Grant means theyrestrictions as to how the The Categories within Human Services Block Grant include allocated through the Block Grant - has been re COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS The opportunity, for Franklin County, to reprogram block grant dollars equals the ability to reach out and provide options to better the lives of thousands within our community.$1,989,980 process since 2012.These funds have allowed creation of new services and expansion of existing programs that otherwise may not have been supported without this financial assistance. JUNE 2025 JULY 2024 DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION of these meals 11% based (congregate) - center JUNE 2025 total). Approximately 101,000 11,100 ( . This is a free monthly supportive group to JULY 2024 delivered - delivered meals. - DEPARTMENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS : Began a new program for family caregivers, called : Served more than home 2024 In and homewere March 2025 seniors once a month Saturday hours at the Greencastle Senior Center. May 2025 Coffee & Caregivers caregivers navigating the challenges of caregiving needs. FRANKLIN COUNTY AREA AGENCY on AGING (AAA) 6,250 Best Community , distributed June 2025 - JUNE 2025 . These vouchers help seniors 8,000 since June 2025 From July 2024 Served @8,000 meals to seniors; Aging Volunteers and Helper Staff: 1,250 seniors JULY 2024 Completed 600+ visits to the senior centers; : Distributed over Assisted 2,000+ seniors through various Aging programs 2024 Organization 2024 and 2025.In 1,600 Program. To date, vouchers to DEPARTMENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Specialized them from the criminal JUNE 2025 on linking individuals with divert . The new staff works with Adult to was hired for the courts and started May focuses in the operation of the supports Responder - JULY 2024 ): Successful transition from Keystone Human Services to fourth Co June (Step By Step (SBS) Community Residence. Almost 100% of staff transferred from Keystone to SBS. No negative impact on the 8 residents. SBS is temporarily operating under Keystone's license until they secure their own, most likely sometime in August.A during the month of Probation, Juvenile Probation, and the Public Defenders' offices. This position mental health justice system. DEPARTMENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS FRANKLIN FULTON MENTAL HEALTH (MH) PROGRAM , Family Directed was offered as a - . (ECCM) for individuals who are 5 new Person Fall of 2024 JUNE 2025 , and 6 new Community Living Waivers . additional waivers JULY 2024 FULTON INTELECTUAL DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES - The department received 1 new Consolidated WaiverSupport (PFDS) waivers DEPARTMENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Expert Community Care Management choice for a new Supports Coordination Agency (case management) beginning in the IDD was provided eligible for services. FRANKLIN(IDD) PROGRAM (NYTD) community A panel Motivational (CAC) held an educative of children and adolescents on April 4th. JUNE 2025 adoptions Fulton Drug & Alcohol department to - twenty (20) National Youth in Transitions Database Child Abuse Conference Children's Advocacy Center JULY 2024 with Franklin on the (May 2025). finalized for recognizing and reporting child abuse were all featured. 100% DEPARTMENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS FRANKLIN COUNTY CHILDREN & YOUTH SERVICES (FCCYS)Scored submission for older youth.FCCYS and the and informative presentation, cyber safety seminar and distinct focus on support Successfully in placement from July 2024 through June 2025.Collaboration successfully train three (3) Casework Supervisors on Interviewing (Therapy and Psychiatry (Outpatient Therapy for received assistance received assistance (Total Days Paid = 2,114) DEC 2024 ANNUAL REPORT JAN Mental Health Outpatient = 25,000+ hours to individuals with mental health needs)Drug & Alcohol Outpatient = 11,000 hours individuals with substance use needs)Services paid by TMCA = 4,898 adults Services paid by TMCA = 2,553 children Mental Health Services conducted in Schools = 8,804 visitsFederally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Visits = 11,8032024 Recovery Housing = $63,420.00 DEPARTMENT / PROGRAM STATISTICS TUSCARORA MANAGED CARE ALLIANCE (TMCA)(Franklin and Fulton Counties) in Program. Program enrollees Program 1 in 4 (20%) individuals HealthChoices HealthChoices HealthChoices HealthChoices of Children residing here had insurance of Children residing in Fulton were 45% 55% through the PA Medicaid Eligible PA Medicaid through the PA Medicaid in PA Medicaid County: County: 4,773 TMCA: MEDICAL ASSISTANCE COVERAGE STATISTICS (2024) FranklincoverageFultoncovered In both Franklin and Fulton Counties: enrolled First Time 2024: : : Early Intervention/Family Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Employment/Training/Education At Large (Medical, Social, Behavioral, Economic) Housing/Homelessness Homeless Assistance Aging Criminal Justice Drug & Alcohol Faith Based Health Planning Mental Health COMMITTEE MEMBERS FRANKLIN COUNTY VOTING Kim Crider Sherri Sullivan Scott Graham Kayla Stoner Brenda Lamar Bruce Levy Lorna Blanchard Zachary McCauley Mike Straley Gayle Brown Kim Wertz Greg Colbert Community Experience RepresentativesPersons with Lived Experience ) ) ) ) Fiscal ) Tuscarora Managed Care r) Children and Youth Services Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities SCA Drug & Alcohol ) ) ) ) *HSBG Committee Chairperson ) ) ) ) ) Aging ) ) ) Fiscal County Administration ) Mental Health ) MH/IDD/EI ) Mental Health Housing INTERNAL PLANNING Assistant ( MH/CASSP Human Services Administration ( Grants/CJAB Veterans Affairs Grants/CJAB Community Access Resources/LINK Coordinato County Administrator Human Services Fulton County Human Services Liaison HS Program Specialist/Ombudsman Human Services Administration ( Strueber Thierwechter STAFF AND AUXILIARY MEMBERS Finniff Stacie Horvath (HaliTressia Day (Nicole Smith (Julie Dovey (Carrie Gray (John Melodie Hoff (Ronda Ranalli (Stacy Rowe (Charity Gorman/Leslie Bowers/Ashley McCartney/Zachary Gantz/Allison Harvey (Stacey Brookens/Erin Nye (Jennifer Hutchinson (Jim Gilbert/Cori Seilhamer (Nancy John Gerak/Jane Cline/Marion Rowe/Rebecca Weaver (James Eagler/Danielle Beaver/Katie Becker/Joe Bailey (Minnie Goshorn/Nicole Weller/Donna Davis/Hannah Crean (Tawnya Hurley/Ashley McCullough (Joshua Curry (Melissa Wileman/Gen Harper/Catya Bookhamer/Brad Coccagna ( to all members for support and within Franklin County. dedication Block Grant Committee consumers for their ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Commissioner HorstCommissioner ZiobrowskiCommissioner Flannery Thank you to our their generous time, attention, and caring to help make life better for all Thank you and appreciation to the Franklin County Commissioners Human Services programs and services. 3862 - 261 - 7218 - 3101 - 717 709 - 261 - 717 717 QUESTIONS? PUBLIC COMMENTS? smhorvath@franklincountypa.gov mshoff@franklincountypa.gov slrowe@franklincountypa.gov Contacts:Stacie Horvath Stacy Rowe Melodie Hoff Solving Courts - Pyramid Limited JurisdictionGeneral JurisdictionProblem District CourtsCommon Pleas JUDICIARY