Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-10-07 Commissioner MinutesWEDNESDAY, October 7, 2026 The Franklin County Commissioners met on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, with the following members present: John T. Flannery and Robert G. Ziobrowski. Commissioner Flannery stated that Commissioner Horst was unable to attend due to other obligations. 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. Co mmissioner Flannery asked for an amendment to the agenda to remove the public hearing s for the Prothonotary asking for an extra full-time employee and Court Administration ask for Magisterial District Judges for Postage and Office Supplies. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; Seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board unanimously approved to adopt the amended agenda. C ommissioner Flannery called P rison Board to order at 10:03 a.m. Prison Board was adjourned at 10:0 3 a.m. There was no public comment. 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 September 30, 2026. Vouchers in the amount of $1,920,738.14. Agreement between the County of Franklin and Community Specialists Corporation DBA The Academy for placement services for Children and Youth Services and/or Juvenile Probation. The provider offers multiple levels of care, each with a corresponding rate str ucture. Rates increased by an average of 5% across all levels of care compared to the previous year's contract. This contract is 60% state funded with the applicable required county match of 40% to be paid by general funds. Amendment to the agreement between the County of Franklin and Gaudenzia for Substance Use and Mental Health Services. This contract allows the Good Wolf Treatment Court (GWTC) grant to provide funding for GWTC participants who are utilizing their services for mandated treatment. This contract minimizes costs for participants and supports their recovery and success in the program. Supplemental Appropriation of $847,900.00 to provide budget for internal charges under among programs. The adjustment updates the budget to be consistent with the current plan. Expenses are offset by internal revenue, resulting in a net positive impact on the General Fund. operating expenses that are currently overbudget, as well as an estimate of funding needs through the remainder of the year. These expenses will essentially be covered by the General Fund. There is the potential for some to be covered by 287g funding. Grant Award from Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency of $112,327.00 for the Franklin County Jail M edication A ssitance T reatment (MAT) 2026 to be used to fund the continuation of medical services including medication administration and all necessary screenings and labs for participants provided by PrimeCare Medical. PrimeCare is Franklin County's contracted provider for all in-jail medica l services. Amendment to the Local Share Account passthrough agreement with The Rescue Hose Company No. 1 of Greencastle, PA. This amendment will extend the end date to June 30, 2027 to allow for delayed delivery of the ambulance. All other terms and conditions of the original contract remain in full force and effect. Agreement between the County of Franklin and the County of Indiana to house Franklin County inmates at the Indiana County Jail. This agreement is based upon availability of bed space per Indiana County. Indiana County Jail is PREA-certified and abides by all PA Title 37 regulations. The cost per inmate includes housing and meals at $75.00 per inmate per day. This will be paid by the General Fund. Approval needed to exonerate delinquent taxes for mobile homes that have been demolished and are no longer taxable as well as a parcel where all lots have been sold off and is no longer taxable in Southampton, Guilford, Washington, Greene, Letterkenny, Lur gan, St. Thomas, and Antrim Townships and Greencastle Borough. The Board reviewed regular agenda items. County Administrator Carrie Gray provided a high-level overview of each of the actions. Ms. Gray explained that the Public Hearing process is part of the budget season preparations for 2027. There w ere communications between the F iscal department and various department heads and elected officials throughout the C ounty. Hearings were offered to come before the Commissioners to discuss aspects of their operations o r to provide rationale for the requests they made or would be making in their budget preparations. Court Administrator Ms. Rebekah Reigner was present to talk about Good Wolf Treatment Court and provide context to the numbers that were received when reviewing the 2027 budget in the coming months. Commissioner Flannery inquired whether any elected official, department head, or manager could present before the Commissioners and regarding whether this opportunity extended to other public meetings or if there was a deadline for presentations. Ms. Gray stated there was no formal d eadline to request to present during public meetings and would continue to be scheduled by request. It was noted that establishing a deadline could enhance the process, as there would naturally be a point after which presentations could not be accommodated, particularly when the budget is formally presented. Commissioner Z iobrowski asked if the presentation was intended for that multiple presentations would be reviewed in context. Ms. Gray affirmed that the purpose of the hearing was for the Commissioners to hear departmental presentations, without making decisions, deliberating, or providing feedback at this stage.Ms. Rebekah Reigner requested funding for the Good Wolf Treatment Court program for the final quarter of 2027. Since its inception is 2017, the program has helped address the opioid crisis in Franklin Cou n ty, reduced incarceration, and enabled 48 individuals to graduate, achieving education, employment, and independent housing. The program has saved approximately $5.7 million in jail bed days, totaling 43,699 days. The program has relied on short-term, competitive grants, creating an opportunity for C ounty funding to provide stability and protect a proven, cost saving public safety resource. The total projected budget for 2027 is $172,214 with a supplemental funding request of $45,000 to $50,000 for quarter four, as the current grant ends in September 2027. She emphasized that Good Wolf Treatment C o urt is saving lives, reducing jail costs, and strengthen ing the community, and respectfully requested c onsideration for fu n ding. Commissioner Flannery expressed strong support for the Good Wolf Treatment Court program, noting the positive impact of graduation ceremonies. Questions were raised about the continuation of grant funding after the current grant expires in September, and whether efforts would continue to secure additional grants to offset program costs. Ms. Gray stated yes. Commissioner Flannery stated he knew that was the answer but wanted to make sure it was said publicly.Commissioner Z iobrowski inquired whether county funding for the Good Wolf Treatment Court program could potentially limit opportunities to secure future grants, given that grant eligibility is sometimes contingent up on demonstrated need. Ms. Gray explained that the timing of available C ounty funding could impact eligibility for certain grants. The meeting was adjo urned at 10:19 a.m. o n 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 be assisted by Copilot