HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-11-29 Commissioner Minutes
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2011
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, November 29, 2011, with the
following members present: David S. Keller, Robert L. Thomas and Robert G.
Ziobrowski. Chairman Keller presided and after calling the meeting to order, and the
Pledge of Allegiance proceeded with the business of the day.
Chairman Keller asked to include chairman time to answer Mr. Lightfoot’s
comments last week. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L.
Thomas; unanimously approved to adopt the amended agenda.
Chairman Keller responded to Mr. Lightfoot’s question of what the impact is to
the tax base since the County purchased the Trust Building, Jr. Fire Company and
Harmon’s Building. He said the Jr. Fire Company taxes are $2,985.69, Harmon’s are
$17,755.53, and Trust Building are $6,903.62 but a ¼ of this building is tax exempt since
offices are rented upstairs so the County pays $20,201.99 in school, boro, and county
taxes. Total exempt impact is $27,644.84 (school, boro, county) reduction in tax
revenue if spread throughout all entities.
There was no public comment.
The minutes of November 22, 2011 meeting was read. These will be approved
Thursday, December 1, 2011.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. There were no
questions and these items will be approved Thursday, December 1, 2011.
Richard Wynn, Human Services Administrator; Gloria Strine, Transportation
Director; Odessa Trinkle, MATP Coordinator; and Christy Russell, Fiscal Officer were
present to inform the Board of a fare structure that is to be put into place on January, 1,
2012. Ms. Strine informed the Board that the last fare increase was in 2008 and it went
from $13.00 per one way trip to $16.00 flat fee structure at which time we received the
approval from PennDot for this increase. This change would move to a zone structure
which will be more equitable because people who travel less will pay less. She said this
change will also be more financially sound and increase citizen’s options. There will be
four zones and are based on the direct mileage from the consumers residence to the
selected destination. Ms. Strine explained the four funding sources: Area Agency on
Aging for residents who are 60 years of age and older; Medical Assistance will not see
any change because they do not pay anything; HUD which is a very small program and
some residents may be on medical assistance; and Persons with Disabilities have to
have a temporary or permanent disability and between the ages of 18-64. Mr. Wynn
explained the reason for this change is due to the State reduced the County’s funding by
$300,000 this year so we have to change the rate structure. Ms. Strine informed the
Board letters were sent to active consumers yesterday to give them plenty of notice of
this change to take effect January 1, 2012.
Commissioner Thomas asked how many full paying customers use
Transportation. Christ Russell responded about 1 a month, most have a funding source.
Chairman Keller asked what the impact to general fund will be next year. Ms. Russell
said there will be no impact to the county share and for the next 2 years there will be no
affect. Mr. Wynn explained that we requested 1.1 Million and they cut $300,000 out of
mileage reimbursement, expenses were $879,000 but the state responded with
$700,000. Chairman Keller asked if we are mandated to provide this service. Mr. Wynn
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said we are not mandated to provide this service but the State has to assure someone
provides medical assistance transportation. Chairman Keller said that Elk County gets
more funding even though their population is 20,000 compared to our 150,000 so we are
th
54 out of 67 counties for funding. He said the State needs to have more equitable
funding throughout the state. Commissioner Thomas said there should be even
distribution and should be based on needs.
Chairman Keller asked if there were any questions from the audience. Ken
Jones asked if Transportation is only for low income people and Mr. Wynn responded
that Medical Assistance is low income but there is no income limit for senior rides or
Persons with Disabilities. Mr. Jones responded that government shaves off the lower
end but keep adding to the upper end and should start giving to the needy and not the
greedy. If someone can afford to pay they should not be getting it for free.
The Board recessed and will reconvene at 2:00 to settle Tax Assessment
Appeals.
The Board reviewed Assessment matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski,
seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to deny the assessment appeals
of all 24 properties of Menno Haven, Inc. and Menno Haven Penn Hall located in the
Borough of Chambersburg and Greene Township.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:35 p.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS