HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-25 Commissioner Minutes
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
The Franklin County Commissioners met on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 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 Robert G. Ziobrowski; Seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board
unanimously approved to adopt the agenda.
Chairman Horst called Prison Board to order at 10:02a.m.
Prison Board was adjourned at 10:03 a.m.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; Seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board
unanimously approved to adopt the consent agenda to include:
Minutes from March 18, 2026.
Vouchers in the amount of $2,348,112.25.
Amendment to the agreement between the County of Franklin and US Dept of Housing
and Urban Development for the Continuum of Care Program grant. This amendment is
adjusting the budget line to better utilize funds of $62,256.00 from Leasing and Operating to
administrative and supportive services.
2025 County Annual HazMat Report to Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency
(PEMA). This report provides PEMA the data needed to create the Statewide Annual Report to
the General Assembly. This report is also a requirement to apply for Hazardous Material
Response Fund (HMRF) grant funding, which is used to create emergency plans, purchase
response equipment, training and exercises.
Requesting signature on the second quarter fiscal year 2025-2026 Children and Youth
quarterly income and expenditure report. Expenditures for the second quarter totaled
$3,616,641.00 resulting in a required County local share totaling $916,645.00.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and Power DMS (Digital Management
System) to provide software services for a document management system designed to maintain
and manage electronic policies, procedures, standards, and training documentation within a
centralized and secure environment. The agreement shall remain in effect for a period of one-
year and will automatically renew for successive one-year terms unless either party provides
written notice of cancellation at least 30 days prior to the renewal date. The services provided
under this Agreement support continued compliance with Pennsylvania Title 37, the Prison
Rape Elimination Act (PREA), and other applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and
standards at a cost of $16,462.45. This will be paid by the General Fund.
Encumbrance listing provides information regarding funds allocated through Mental
Health, Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities and Early Intervention. The document contains
the agency name, service(s) provided, the amount of initial encumbrance, amendments made
throughout the fiscal year and the final amount encumbered to that provider for the fiscal year.
This cover sheet is for the mid-year submission of encumbrance reporting for FY25-26.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and Luminest to extend $7,946.93 of a
Housing Trust Fund Grant for the development of South Main Commons. The previous grant
award was for $105,000.00, which expired on December 31, 2025 after having drawn
$97,053.07. The project experienced a significant funding gap at the end of 2025, which stalled
the development and final draws from the original grant award.
Resolution 2026-03 for the sale of surplus equipment no longer needed.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and Palmetto Posting, Inc. for a two-year
extension to the current contract with Palmetto Posting, Inc to post delinquent real estate tax
properties for calendar years 2026 and 2027. Vendor to post upset sale notices for those
properties scheduled for an upset sale. Additional posting for unclaimed certified mailing of
return & claim notices mailed. This is a requirement of the Real Estate Tax Sale Law Act 542.
This is a 7.14% increase in year one over the prior contract amendment. Year one: estimating
1100 postings at $37.50 each for a total cost of $41,250.00. Year two; estimating and 1100
postings at $40.00 each for a total cost of $44,000.00. This will be paid by the General Fund
and reimbursed through the Tax Claim process.
Amendment to the agreement with Vision Government Solutions (originally signed
November 27, 2024). Vision, provider of the County's CAMA software and taxpayer web
service, has transitioned its online subscription platform from Vision Web to Data Scout
following its acquisition. Data Scout will offer the same public access to tax assessment data
with enhanced tools and user support. There is no additional cost to the County.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and TMCA for reimbursement to Franklin
County for staffing costs in the amount of $368,720.00 for the period of April 1 - September 30,
2026.
Amendment #2 to the agreement between the County of Franklin and TMCA for
reimburse to Franklin County for administrative costs in the amount of $110,994.27 for the
period of January 1 - December 31, 2024.
Amendment #4 to the agreement between the County of Franklin and TMCA for
reimburse to Franklin County for administrative costs. The total reimbursement amount is
increased by $7,187.78. from $136,755.00 to $143,942.78 for the period of January 1 -
December 31, 2025.
The Board reviewed regular agenda items. County Administrator Carrie Gray provided a
high-level overview of each of the actions.
The Board reviewed Proclamation #2026-06 for the purpose of proclaiming April 6-10,
2026 Reentry Week. Ms. Gray introduced Ms. Leigh Elliott, Reentry coordinator and Warden
Heather Franzoni to present the proclamation. Warden Franzoni stated that reentry was not
simply a program but a responsibility, and that in her view, the real work began at release rather
only for discharge but for longterm success by providing treatment, education, structure, and
accountability. She stated that reentry was rooted in connection and that no one succeeded
alone, highlighting the importance of strong partnerships with community providers, probation,
the courts, employers, and treatment agencies to maintain a continuum of care beyond the jail.
She noted that effective reentry also promoted public safety by reducing recidivism,
strengthening families, and creating safer communities, an effort she said was central to the
understood their role and recognized that every interaction and decision influenced whether
someone succeeded or returned to custody. Warden Franzoni acknowledged the daily work of
and create real solutions. She shared that the jail would be hosting its first Community Resource
Day in partnership with Franklin Together, featuring 19 community partners offering tools and
resources to support successful reentry. She thanked both Franklin Together staff and jail staff
for collaborating to make the event beneficial for vendors and incarcerated individuals. She also
programs, which supported individuals with suspected mental health needs through case
management, housing assistance, and help with security deposits and rent. She described the
new Anchor Program, coordinated by herself and Chief Bogner, which offered structured
support for presentenced individuals needing indigent defense services, particularly those
charged with nonviolent offenses who benefited from stability and reduced stress. She reported
that grant funding was being used to assist justiceinvolved individuals who needed housing to
ing that many individuals remained incarcerated solely due to lack of housing. The
grant funding allowed the county to help these individuals secure case management and rental
support, and she noted that eight to ten people had been released in the past month through
this initiative. She concluded by stating that reentry was not owned by any single agency,
program, or person, but was a shared commitment. She expressed pride in the work being done
in Franklin County and in the partnerships that continued to move the community forward. She
affirmed that the county would keep building, collaborating, and finding solutions because
successful reentry strengthened the entire community.Ms. Elliott thanked the commissioners
the county, and the broader community. She explained that throughout the week, libraries
displayed information about the Reentry Coalition along with books the coalition had purchased
and donated on topics related to reentry and incarceration. She announced several events for
the week: a Tuesday gift drop collecting cleaning and hygiene supplies for individuals leaving
the Franklin County Jail without support; a Wednesday reentry simulation that offered
participants a handson experience of navigating a month of supervision, with registration
Family Restaurant, with proceeds benefiting the coalition. She shared that the week would
CAP, where
individuals with lived experience would be highlighted and their accomplishments celebrated.
Commissioner Horst thanked Warden Franzoni and Ms. Elliott and everyone involved in the
reentry efforts, commending their work. He stated that second chances were important because
everyone made mistakes, some more serious than others. He emphasized that offering people
an opportunity to move forward in life mattered, but that reentry support should be viewed as a
hand up rather than a handout. He added that individuals also needed to take responsibility and
assume control of their own lives. Commissioner Flannery said that over the past six years he
has learned a great deal from county staff, his fellow commissioners, and the warden. He
but his experience had shown him that many good people sometimes make bad decisions. He
emphasized that helping individuals prepare to leave jail and return as productive members of
society strengthened the entire community. He expressed deep appreciation for the work being
done and the respect he had gained for those involved, and he encouraged them to continue
their efforts. Commissioner Ziobrowski said that the board had become increasingly enlightened
about the importance and value of reentry. He expressed hope that the broader community
would also embrace those same insights and values. Commissioner Horst then read the
proclamation which has been made a part of these minutes. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski; Seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board unanimously approved the proclamation.
The Board conducted a bid opening forDelivery and Pickup of Election Equipment and
Supplies. Ms. Gray reported that the county had received zero bids for the delivery and pickup
of election equipment and supplies. She reminded the commissioners that this was the second
attempt with the same outcome. She stated that the procurement director and solicitor would
determine next steps, and that under the applicable code, the county would now be permitted to
directly contact vendors to secure the needed services.
The Board conducted a bid opening for Standing Black Walnut Timbering. The following
biddStanding Black Walnut Timbering.
Assistant County Administrator John Thierwechter stated with the help of Procurement Director
Robin Harmon, they put out an RFP for interest in taking black walnut trees from Franklin Farm
Lane along with the help of Shenandoa Forestry. Commissioner Horst wanted to verify that this
was not a clear cut but just taking select black walnut trees. Mr. Thierwechter stated that was
correct. This is for the clearing of 345 black walnut trees. The following submitted bids: Cody
Chamberlain of Waynesboro, PA for $210,142.80; Weavers Sawmill of Liverpool, PA for
$ 207,878.00; Hickory Hollow Sawyers of Waynesboro, PAfor $226,395.10; Catalpa Lane Farm
of Cherry Tree, PA for $203,450.00; Pinnacle Ridge Lumber LLC of Mifflintown for $196,135.00;
of Loganton, PA for $201,669.30; Brumbaugh Lumber LLC of
Shirleysburg, PA for $165,233.00; American Hardwood Industries LLC of Waynesboro, VAfor
$194,703.04; Tuscarora Mat & Lumber LLC of Doylesburg, PA for $206,189.99; and Eby
Sawmill of Clearville, PA for $191,251.93. Ms. Gray asked for two weeks for bids to be reviewed
and make a recommendation on April 8th. Commissioner Horst clarified that these bids were for
the companies to pay the county for the trees they would be clearing.
Ms. Gray introduced Solicitor Elliott Sulcove to represent the Solicitor's Office in order to
keep everyone well acquainted with the different programs with their emerging trends and topics
of interest. His presentation was made a part of these minutes. Commissioner Horst stated he
was glad God created men and women who enjoy reading contacts. Commissioner Flannery
said he appreciated the work being done because he wanted nothing to do with that
responsibility himself. He shared a story from the previous week about getting quotes for gutter
work, explaining that he always researched contractors, checked reviews, and knew what prices
should be before requesting bids. He described how quickly and efficiently a contractor handled
his second quote by sending photos, taking payment, and scheduling the job within a week. He
contrasted that efficiency with county processes, saying such responsiveness could not happen
within the county system, which he found extremely frustrating. He emphasized his appreciation
for the detailed work Ms. Harmon and Mr. Sulcove do and noted that this frustration was one of
the hardest parts of his position. Commissioner Ziobrowski said he was glad others had a
passion for their work, joking that it was not the kind of material that would inspire a John
Grisham novel. He noted that, in anticipation of the presentation, the room had cleared out, and
he remarked that he had noticed it. Despite that, he expressed appreciation.
Ms. Gray introduced Fiscal Director Janelle Friese and CFO Teresa Beckner to provide
a fiscal year end 2025
EOYwhich has been made a part of the minutes. Commissioner Flannery said it appeared to
be a good year financially, but he asked the key question: how much the county would need to
pull from reserves in order to balance the budget. Ms. Friese stated $250,000.00.Commissioner
Horst asked what the speculated deficitwas at the beginning of 2025. Ms. Beckner stated she
believed it was $6.3 or $6.4 millionincluding capital projects. Commissioner Horst continued
that the entire process required full participation from the whole team, including the fiscal
department, administration, and elected officials. He stated that everyone had joined together in
the effort and expressed his gratitude, noting that everyone had stepped up. He said the strong
numbers demonstrated that the county was working collaboratively toward a common goal.Ms.
made a part of these minutes.
Commissioner Flannery congratulated Ms. Gray on her Athena awardfrom the
Cumberland Valley Business Alliance.He felt it was well deserved and long past due. Ms. Gray
thanked the commissioners and stated that she was honored.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:19a.m. on a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by John T. Flannery.
Carrie E. Gray
County Administrator/Chief Clerk
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
____________________________________
Dean A. Horst,Chairman
____________________________________
John T. Flannery
___________________________________
Robert G. Ziobrowski
*May beassistedby Copilot
Bidders List
Standing Black Walnut Timbering
Bids accepted until: 04:00 PMBid Opening: 10:00 AM
Tuesday, 3/24/2026Wednesday, 3/25/2026
Total
1.Cody Chamberlain$ 210,142.80
Waynesboro, PA
2.Weavers Sawmill$ 207,878.00
Liverpool, PA
3.Hickory Hollow Sawyers226,395.10$
Waynesboro, PA
4.Catalpa Lane Farm LLC$ 203,450.00
Cherry Tree, PA
5.Pinnacle Ridge Lumber LLC196,135.00$
Mifflintown, PA
6.Peachey's Logging LLC$ 201,669.30
Loganton, PA
7.Brumbaugh Lumber LLC165,233.00$
Sherrlysburg, PA
8.American Hardwood Industries LLC194,703.04$
Waynesboro, VA
9.Tuscarora Mat & Lumber LLC206,189.99$
Doylesburg, PA
10.Eby Sawmill$ 191,251.93
Clearville, PA