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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-29 Commissioner Minutes WEDNESDAY, October 29, 2025 The Franklin County Commissioners met on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, with the following members present: Dean A. Horst and Robert G. Ziobrowski. Commissioner Horst stated that Commissioner Flannery would not be joining today. He then presided and after calling the meeting to order, a Moment of Silence, and the Pledge of Allegiance, proceeded with the business of the day. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Board unanimously approved to adopt the agenda. The minutes of the October 22, 2025 meeting were reviewed. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Board unanimously approved to adopt the minutes. Chairman Horst called Prison Board to order at 10:04AM. Prison Board was adjourned at 10:06AM. There was public comment from John Jordan. He drove by CAMS North and saw the There was also public comment from Valerie Jordan who spoke about not wanting any county workers furloughed and that alternatives like short-term loans or delaying vendor payments are more favorable. Commissioner Ziobrowski a for the county employees and oppositions to furloughs. However, he expressed frustration with her repeated references to her personal tax situation. He pointed out that she lives in a high- valued home and appears financially stable, but many county residents are struggling and do not share her level of comfort. The Commissioners represent the entire county, not just affluent areas. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Board unanimously approved theconsent agenda items to include: All bills presented and ordered paid in the amount of $4,712,149.39. Agreement between the County of Franklin and Election Systems and Software for their 2026 Service Agreement Program. The program is for onsite support at the May 19, 2026 General Primary at the 2025 rate. The cost will be $5,675.00 and will save the County $575.00. This will be paid for by the 2025-2026 Election Integrity Grant. Lease agreement between the County of Franklin and Letterkenny Industrial Development Authority for professional office space at a cost of $1,200.00. Supplemental appropriation of $306,284.00 to establish Internal Service Fund for Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This change enables the County to allocate GIS costs more accurately across departments and explore potential reimbursement opportunities. This adjustment is budget-neutral for 2025 with anticipated general fund savings in future years. Grant application to Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency of -Responder Program by embedding Certified Recovery Specialists (CRS) to provide peer engagement, recovery linkage, and post-crisis support. The two additional CRS positions, obtained by RFP process, are designed to enhance and expand the existing Co-Responder model, providing an added layer of peer-based recovery support to reduce justice involvement, increase engagement in treatment, and strengthen recovery outcomes for individuals with substance use and co-occurring needs. This initiative directly to strengthen deflection, diversion, and recovery-oriented responses for individuals with substance use disorders. There is no County match. The Board reviewed regular agenda items. County Administrator Carrie Grayprovided a high-level overview of each of the actions. A request to authorize the Solicitor to execute an Amendment to the Stipulation of Settlement of Tax Assessment Appeal between Menno-Haven, Inc. the Franklin County Board of Assessment & Revision of Taxes, the Chambersburg Area School District, Franklin County and the Chambersburg Borough. (collectively, the "Taxing Authorities"). Menno-Haven and the Taxing Authorities desire to enter into this addendum to extend the term of the Stipulation, dated June 24, 2020, for an additional five years. Solicitor Sulcove stated that rather than have the Commissioners sign tax agreements with the taxpayer, these are handled is through stipulations among counsel. These are filed with the court and then the court enters an order based on the stipulation. The Menno Haven matter has been subject to these for many years. Commissioner Ziobrowski wanted to clarify that the review and assessment of the properties for tax purposes restricted to what existed in 2019 and that any new buildings in the past five years that have been built would be included on the tax rolls. Solicitor Sulcove stated this is an evaluation of parcels currently owned and any additional construction or change in use of the parcels would be subjectto assessment in the same manner as any other property undergoing changes to ensure consistency in how property changes are treated across the county. This is not an exemption appeal, but a reduction or discount in taxes similar to what is seen in industrial appeals. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked how a countywide reassessment would affect the agreement. Solicitor Sulcove stated although not discussed with the taxpayer, his view is that the new assessment would be reduced by the same percentage. He discussed with Solicitor Benchoff, council for the Board of Assessment and Revision of Taxes, and Tax Director Jodi Martin to see if they believed the stipulation was fair and consistent with what they see otherwiseand they both responded yes. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Board unanimously approved to authorize the amendment. Agreement between the County of Franklin and AccessIT Group Inc. To replace our Firewall system used by the County. The current hardware will no longer be supported after December due to its age. This will upgrade the hardware to the current generation and the services include on-site support and installation as well as software upgrades at a cost of $85,076.00. This will be paid by an allocation across all operations. About 68% is estimated to be paid by the General Fund. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Board unanimously approved the agreement. Assistant County Administrator John Thierwechter discussed the agreement between the County of Franklin and Jennings Chevrolet for the purchase of a 2025 Chevy Silverado Regular Cab 2500 with plow to replace the 2004 F250 due to age and poor condition (Trade in amount $4,100) at a cost of $52,264.00 an increase of $2,123.00. The previous agreement with Koch 33 Ford for a 2024 F-350 fell through due to unapproved terms and requested documents that did not comply with county code. This required us to move forward with the next lowest bid. The vehicle cost will be split between Property Management ($27,682.00) and Liquid Fuels ($24,582.00) and will be s portion will be paid with General Fund Contingency. Commissioner Horst stated that this works out in our favor and a local company gets to benefit from this and that was nice to see. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Board unanimously approved the agreement. The meeting was adjourned at 10:26 a.m. on a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Dean A. Horst. Carrie E. Gray County Administrator/Chief Clerk FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ____________________________________ Dean A. Horst, Chairman ____________________________________ John T. Flannery ___________________________________ Robert G. Ziobrowski