HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-11-12 Commissioner Minutes
WEDNESDAY, November 12, 2025
The Franklin County Commissioners met on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, with the
following members present: Dean A. Horst, John T. Flannery and Robert G. Ziobrowski.
Commissioner Horst 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 John T. Flannery; Seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; the Board
unanimously approved to adopt the agenda.
The minutes of the November 5, 2025 meeting were reviewed. On a motion by John T.
Flannery; Seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; the Board unanimously approved the minutes.
There was public comment from Valerie Jordan who noted the anticipated passage of
the 2026 state budget, which will release state funds and allow interest to accrue. She also
addressed a prior public comment regarding their property assessment, clarifying that the
assessment was mandated by the county and inviting higher taxation if deemed too low, out of
solidarity with struggling residents.She argued that financial hardship in the county stems more
from daily living costs like food, utilities, and rent than from annual property taxes. She stated
that she will use the average county property assessment ($21,000) in future discussions and
support a proposed $900,000 pay raise for correctional officers, highlighting its minimal cost to
taxpayers and the need for fair wages. She mentioned that Washington County Jail Correctional
Officers earn $55,000.00 and Franklin County is nowhere near offering its officers that kind of
money. She continued by criticizing
$33 million in state funding and the significant daily interest lost due to delays. On a personal
note, she shared her past experience with homelessness and domestic abuse, expressing
empathy for those in hardship. She concluded by strongly opposing any move to privatize the
county jail, citing failed privatization efforts elsewhere and urging the county to retain control.
Commissioner Flannery stated that he believed that Washington County corrections get
paid $55,000 a year. When he spoke to the warden about two weeks ago, the average salary of
a correctional officer in Franklin County is right around $25.00 an hour, which is $52,000 a year,
without the overtime. So we are very similar to Washington County corrections in that aspect
and also Washington County corrections go through school to be full-fledged law enforcement
officers. They are sheriff deputies not just correctional officers. So the responsibility they have in
their job is much more intense than what our correctional officers are.
John Jordan
. He also raised
concerns about perceived prejudice toward residents of Penn National, noting that he often
avoids mentioning where he lives due to negative assumptions. Mr. Jordan was offended by a
recent comment implying that Penn National residents are wealthy and disconnected from local
issues. He clarified that many homes in Franklin County are more valuable than those in Penn
National and highlighted that many Penn National residents are retirees who actively donate
and volunteer to support the broader community.
On a motion by John T. Flannery; seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; the Board
unanimously approved to adopt the consent agenda to include:
Vouchers in the amount of $734,283.98.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and Mercersburg Academy for the use of the
Boone Recital Room in the Burgin Center of the Arts for the Commissioners meeting on
November 19th at no cost to the County.
Lease agreement between the County of Franklin and 80 S. Main, LLC for the HUD
Permanent Supportive Housing Lease Program that covers total rent plus any landlord-covered
utilities at a cost of $10,200.00 for the period of December 1, 2025 through December 1, 2026.
The County holds the lease with the landlord and the participant subleases from the County.
Program participants are responsible for any utilities not included in the lease rent, up to 30% of
their adjusted gross income. Participants are linked with supportive services and case
management to assist them with maintaining permanent stable housing. This will be paid from
the HUD grant.
Lease agreement between the County of Franklin and 80 S. Main, LLC for the HUD
Permanent Supportive Housing Lease Program that covers total rent plus any landlord-covered
utilities at a cost of $10,200.00 for the period of December 1, 2025 through December 1, 2026.
The County holds the lease with the landlord and the participant subleases from the County.
Program participants are responsible for any utilities not included in the lease rent, up to 30% of
their adjusted gross income. Participants are linked with supportive services and case
management to assist them with maintaining permanent stable housing. This will be paid from
the HUD grant.
Lease agreement between the County of Franklin and Beverly Court, LLC for the HUD
Permanent Supportive Housing Lease Program that covers total rent plus any landlord-covered
utilities at a cost of $10,200.00 for the period of December 1, 2025 through December 1, 2026.
The County holds the lease with the landlord and the participant subleases from the County.
Program participants are responsible for any utilities not included in the lease rent, up to 30% of
their adjusted gross income. Participants are linked with supportive services and case
management to assist them with maintaining permanent stable housing. This will be paid from
the HUD grant.
Lease agreement between the County of Franklin and Rodney C. Mose & Cindee L.
Mose for the HUD Permanent Supportive Housing Lease Program that covers total rent plus
any landlord-covered utilities at a cost of $10,200.00 for the period of December 1, 2025
through December 1, 2026. The County holds the lease with the landlord and the participant
subleases from the County. Program participants are responsible for any utilities not included in
the lease rent, up to 30% of their adjusted gross income. Participants are linked with supportive
services and case management to assist them with maintaining permanent stable housing. This
will be paid from the HUD grant.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and Women in Need Inc for Pennsylvania
Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) STOP Violence Against Women pass-through
office. The grant runs from January to December of 2026, with a total reimbursable amount of
$31,250.00. There is no General Fund contribution.
Grant application to National Association of Government Archives & Records
Administrators (NAGARA) in the amount of $3,000.00. Nagara internship program endeavors to
match under-served local archival programs with students interested in careers in archivaland
records management. The student will complete 150 hours and Nagara pays the stipend directly
to the student. This grant runs from February to August 2026. There is no General Fund
contribution.
Grant Project Modification to Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
(PCCD) due to the current housing crisis and the significant waiting list of incarcerated
individuals who are eligible for release but lack available housing, Franklin County is seeking to
reallocate budget line items to include new housing options and contingency funds which will
assist individuals with Opioid Use Disorder OUD/Substance Use Disorder SUD who are
currently on probation or incarcerated. If approved, this request will help utilize remaining funds
through the end of the grant period of September 30, 2026.
Agreements between the County of Franklin and Blue Ridge Landfill, WM Cumberland,
Sandy Run, CES, WM Southern Alleghenies, WM Mountain View, WM Laurel Highlands, and
YCSWA to guarantee municipal waste disposal for the next ten years as part of the Solid Waste
Management Plan (SWMP). There is no cost or revenue to the County.
The Board reviewed regular agenda items. County Administrator Carrie Gray provided a
high-level overview of each of the actions.
The Board reviewed Proclamation #2025-24 for the purpose of proclaiming the week of
November 16-22, 2025 as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Ms. Gray introduced
Planning Director Quentin Clapper and Community Connections Housing Program Specialist,
Misty Conner. Ms. Conner first thanked the Commissioners for recognizing their group and
cause, emphasizing the theme of hope. Hope for families seeking shelter, individuals facing
hunger, and children in need of stability. She highlighted the importance of community
compassion and support for those struggling with homelessness and food insecurity in Franklin
County. She also noted increased efforts by local agencies to provide meals and groceries in
response to SNAP benefit changes. Finally, she announced
upcoming parade, where instead of ornaments, donations of personal hygiene items, gloves,
and hats will be collected for those in need. Commissioner Horst stated that hope was a great
word. He personally has never had the struggle for housing or food so he doesn't know that pain
and suffering, but at the same time fortunate enough to be able to sit here and be blessed
in life to where he can give back to those who do need and in your job you get to do that daily
and see that reward. He finally thanked Ms. Conner for all she does for the community in that
aspect. Commissioner Horst then read the proclamation which is attached and made a part of
these minutes.
The Board reviewed Proclamation #2025-25 for the purpose of proclaiming November
11, 2025 as Veterans Day. Veterans Affairs Director Josh Currystated that thinkingon Veterans
Day and the many local events honoring veterans, including his own visit to Spirit Trust to speak
commitment to serve without knowing what lies ahead. Each story is unique, but all veterans
share the courage to serve. He highlighted
service. They bring valuable skills; leadership, problem-solving, and focus, that benefittheir
communities. Veterans often lead organizations, businesses, and volunteer efforts. The
proclamation serves to recognize and reinforce the ongoing value veterans bring to society.
Commissioner Horstsay it any better than what Mr. Curryjust
said. Heappreciatesour veterans and what they stand forand Mr. Curry for what hedoesfor
our veterans.Commissioner Flannerystated that he appreciatedwhat Mr. Curry said and he
realized that hewouldn't be sitting here right now without the dedication of our veterans.
Commissioner Horst then read the proclamation which is attached and made a part of these
minutes.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:33a.m. on a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by John T. Flannery.
Carrie E. Gray
County Administrator/Chief Clerk
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
____________________________________
Dean A. Horst, Chairman
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John T. Flannery
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Robert G. Ziobrowski