HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-11-22 Commissioner Minutes THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016
The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, November 3, 2016, 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, a Moment
of Silence, and the Pledge of Allegiance, proceeded with the business of the day.
John Hart, County Administrator, asked to adjust two items on the board action
list. First is to remove item #1, purchase of a Traverse from Jennings for Children &
Youth due to needing more documentation. The second item is to include a Notice to
Proceed to allow C.S. Davidson to do project initiation and scoping engineering for
Heisey Road Bridge #121. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert
L. Thomas; unanimously approved to adopt the amended agenda.
There was no public comment.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas; seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved all bills presented and ordered paid.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved the minutes of the November 15, 2016 and November 17, 2016
meetings.
The Board reviewed Children and Youth matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the purchase of a
2017 Ford Fusion from Keystone Ford in the amount of$17,995.00. Act 148 will pay
$14,036.10. This vehicle is needed to transport CYS staff and clients and will replace a
2007 Chevy Impala that has become unreliable. Request for quotes was completed and
this was the lowest qualified quote.
The Board reviewed Court Administration matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the agreement
between the County of Franklin and Josephina C. Souders to provide English-Spanish
interpreter and translator services for the Franklin County Court System at a rate of
$45.00 per hour for a minimum of 16 hours per week; service over 16 hours will incur a
rate of$50.00 per hour. This agreement is for the period of December 1, 2016 through
December 31, 2017. Ms. Souders is an Administrative Offices of Pennsylvania Courts
(AOPC) certified translator. Each county is required to utilize an AOPC certified
translator during formal court proceedings.
The Board reviewed Jail matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to
execute the agreement between the County of Franklin and Waste Connections for trash
removal service at the Jail at a cost of$604.00 per month for the period of January 1,
2017 through December 31, 2018. Request for quotes was completed and this was the
lowest qualified quote.
The Board reviewed Jail matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the purchase of a 2017
Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD from Jennings Chevrolet at a cost of$43,201.76. Request for
quotes was completed and this was the lowest qualified quote.
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The Board reviewed Juvenile Probation matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved for the Chairman of
the Board to execute the Award Notification Invoice from Juvenile Court Judges
Commission for Juvenile Probation to receive the Grant In Aid in the amount of
$134,221.00.
The Board reviewed Property Management matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the purchase of a
2017 Chevrolet Express Extended Passenger Van from Jennings Chevrolet in the
amount of$29,406.11 to replace a 1997 Chevy passenger van. Request for quotes
were completed and this was the lowest qualified quote.
The Board reviewed additional Property Management matters. On a motion by
Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the
purchase of a 2017 Transit Connect XL Cargo Van LWB from Keystone Ford in the
amount of$20,570.00 to replace a 1999 Dodge Durango. Request for quotes were
completed and this was the lowest qualified quote.
The Board reviewed additional Property Management matters. On a motion by
Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved for the
Chairman of the Board to execute the renewal agreement between the County of
Franklin and Knepper's Kleen Water for annual maintenance, replacement parts,
monthly operator's license fee and quarterly DEP sample fees at Adult Probation,
Aging/Greencastle Senior Activity Center; at a cost of$2,649.00, for the period of
January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017.
The Board reviewed additional Property Management matters. On a motion by
Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the
proposal from Thyssenkrupp Elevator to perform required annual pressure testing of
elevators at the Ag Heritage Building, Building 2 and the Judicial Center at a cost of
$960.00 for the period of November 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016.
The Board reviewed Tax Services matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved for the Chairman of
the Board to execute the quote from Printaway for printing and postage of tax collector
envelopes at a cost of$33,987.75. A portion in the amount of$11,744.70 will be
reimbursed by the townships and boroughs. The printer is requesting the postage due
up front of$32,101.75. Quotes were requested, two vendors responded, and this was
the lowest qualified quote.
In accordance with PA Acts 14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, TeamAg, Inc.
notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection General
NPDES Permit application being applied by Herbruck's Poultry Ranch, Inc. for a
proposed Egg Farm, located in Montgomery Township.
In accordance with PA Acts 14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Dennis E. Black
Engineering, Inc. notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection NPDES Permit application being applied by LIDA for proposed construction of
a 36,000 sq. ft. light manufacturing facility with parking and truck docks, located in
Greene Township.
In accordance with PA Acts 14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Raudenbush
Engineering, Inc. notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection NPDES Permit application being applied by Crouse Property fill site located in
Lurgan Township.
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The Board reviewed Personnel matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the revised job description for
the Drug &Alcohol Program Specialist position.
The Board reviewed Custodial matters and conducted a bid opening for
Magisterial District Judge/Commissioners Complex Custodial Services. The following
buildings are included in the bid: MDJs Cunningham, Pentz, Rock, Eyer, Plum and
Commissioners Office Complex. The following bidders submitted a bid: Service Master
Commercial Services from Harrisburg submitted a bid in the amount of$2,582.00 for all
buildings and Aqua Power Pros/First Impressions from Shippensburg submitted a bid in
the amount of$2,098.00 for all buildings. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to forward the bids received to
the Director of Custodial, the County Solicitor and the Purchasing Agent for their review.
The Board will award or reject the bids on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at 9:45 a.m.
Teresa Beckner, Fiscal Director, met with the Board to review the 2017 proposed
budget which if approved by the board will be on public display for twenty days. She
explained the counter copy includes details for revenues and expenses for all
operations. This will also be available on the county's website. She explained fiscal
staff also prepares a "Budget in Brief" which is a summary of the budget, which will also
be available on the website. Ms. Beckner highlighted the following key items: The
Board of Commissioners remains committed to "improving the effectiveness and
efficiency of government, while living within our means", and to balancing their
commitment to residents' quality of life and the role of county government with the
resources available. The 2017 budget reflects funding to accomplish those objectives.
The Board's priorities are: Public safety and security; Information technology for tax
services, 911 operations, and various other departments, employees and vendors;
quality of life programs such as farmland preservation and tourism and quality of life
enhancement grants; maintaining services for the county's most vulnerable through
funding existing and new programs for human services and veterans; and attracting and
retaining a skilled and dedicated workforce. She said the 2017 budget provides
resources for: Implementation of evidence-based practices, improving our procurement
to payment process; enhancing the virtual environment for information technology
functionality and security; expanding our use of geographic information systems and
electronic document management; and exploring new initiatives for delivering human
services. Ms. Beckner explained the "all funds and services" portion of the budget,
which shows the general operating millage of 25, as well as debt service millage of 2.6,
is the same as in 2016. She said there is no tax increase in this budget. The total
expenditures for All Operations and All Services equal $106.5 million, a decrease of$3.1
million (2.8%) from revised 2016 [reduction from 2016 is related to changes in funding
support for 911 operations ($1.2 million), and outsourcing the county's transportation
program ($1.8 million). The total revenue is budgeted at$104.8 million, a decrease of
$3.8 million or 3.5% from 2016. She explained further that reductions in revenue from
2016 are primarily from state funds ($1.8 million) and contributions/others ($1.8 million)
for our fully funded post-employment health benefits. Ms. Beckner explained that the
general fund pays for court and magisterial district judge operations, the county jail, the
day reporting center, tax services, elections and voter registration, administration and
planning offices, veterans' affairs and the public defender, property management and
elected official offices. It also provides financial support to outside agencies, as well as
human service programs, the 911 center and HazMat operations, and Domestic
Relations. The total general fund budget is $48,732,400. Our revised operating budget
for 2016 is $46,858,000. This reflects an increase in our general fund budget overall of
4% amounting to $1,874,400 from 2016. General Fund revenues total $46,335,400. The
revised 2016 budget shows revenues of$46,737,400. That reflects a decrease of
$392,000, or 0.8%. Ms. Beckner said the 2017 proposed budget keeps property taxes
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at the same level as 2016. The budget indicates tax revenues of$35,890,100. For
2017, the growth in the value of a mill contributes $413,800 for operations. Interest
earnings are at$50,000, a slight decrease from 2016. She said the intergovernmental
revenues for Federal and State are at$2.1 million, 4.6% of revenue, compared with
4.4% last year. The increase in federal revenue relates primarily to grants for criminal
justice initiatives such as Intensive Reentry, the residential treatment grant at the Jail,
and Pre-Trial Drug and Alcohol Diversion. The decrease in state revenue is due to the
reduction of funding from the state to pay for court operations ($119,500) and
reimbursement for district attorney wages ($115,500). Although both are required by
Pennsylvania law, the state has failed to appropriate the funds to make the payments to
the county. The total amount of this lost revenue is over$235,000. The total reduction in
state revenue is $263,500 (15.8%) from 2016. Wages and benefits total $26.1 million,
which makes up 53.3% of the general fund budget, compared to $25.2 million (53.8%)
for the 2016 revised budget. Ms. Beckner explained the operating costs of$15,241,400,
which is relatively flat compared to 2016 and is 31.3% of GF expenses. For 2016, the
amount was 32.6% of budget. Many departments' operating budgets are proposed at a
level consistent with actual 2015 spending. There were decreased services to operate
the Day Reporting Center of$200,000 as well as reductions in outside services in the
courts of$109,000 and overall flat or reduced general expenses. These were offset by
increases related to the growth in the jail population. Additional funds are budgeted for
contracted services, outside county housing and medical expenses for inmates for a
total of$313,000. Ms. Beckner explained the transfers to support other county
operations in the amount of$4,580,700, which makes up 9.4% of total general fund
budget. The following is more information on transfers: The change in 911 funding,
effective with Act 12 of 2015, has resulted in additional revenue to offset the costs of
operating the county's 911 center. This additional revenue has saved county tax dollars
by more than $1.1 million from 2013's contribution level; Domestic Relations is $671,800
or 1.4% of the General Fund budget; Human Service Programs is $2,899,000 or 5.9% of
general fund budget; Agriculture Preservation is $150,000 for purchase of agricultural
easements; and CDBG Administration is $27,600, resulting from a decrease in the
overall size of the program and corresponding administration fees. She explained the
Board remains committed to the program and continues to subsidize the administration
of it for 2017. Ms. Beckner explained that consistent with the county's practice in prior
years, proposed expansions for personnel, capital and new projects are budgeted to a
contingency account. This allows for additional review prior to taking action and incurring
expense. Contingency includes funds for personnel expansion, projects, computers,
furniture and minor equipment, and other capital purchases. General Fund contingency
for 2017 amounts to 5.8% of the expenditure budget and totals $2.8 million. The most
significant portion is for potential additional funding to house jail inmates outside of the
county. Contingency funding is also provided for equipment replacements, projects,
computers, furniture, and other capital purchases and potential personnel expansion
where needed. Ms. Beckner said the net effect shows that without adding additional
revenue, expenses exceed revenues by $2.4 million. Weeks ago we projected that the
General Fund would perform better than the 2016 budget by $2.3 million. She said the
commissioners tasked us with bringing the 2017 budget in at a level that used only that
savings. In accordance with the guidance from the board, the 2017 proposed budget
provides funding for the Board's priorities and maintains reserves at recommended
levels. She said our total ending General Fund reserves are expected to be $11.9
million at the end of 2017. That equates to 90 days of General Fund expenses, meeting
the recommendation of our auditors and GFOA best practices. Ms. Beckner explained
the ability to maintain reserves at that level has helped the county be able not only to
carry our General Fund into each year without borrowing money, but also to continue
services uninterrupted during the state's budget impasse last year. We maintained
operations, served our clients, kept our workforce employed, and paid our vendors and
providers. A healthy fund balance has also contributed to our ability to maintain our AA
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bond rating, making the market more favorable for the county to refinance existing debt
and/or pursue future capital projects. Ms. Beckner explained the following ending
results: Revenues are slightly down in the General Fund. The budget reflects no tax
increase; we tightened expense budgets where possible, but also provided for
operations which require additional funding; allowed for a pay increase to employees;
provided for 2017 capital and personnel expansion as necessary; have provided funds
for facility and equipment needs and special projects; and maintained a General Fund
reserve balance that meets the recommended levels and provides cash flow for
challenging times. Ms. Beckner explained the tax dollar breakdown from the budget-in-
brief that shows how the property tax dollars are collected and distributed to various
types of operations of the county. The "three C's"which includes courts, crimes, and
corrections makes up 78 cents to support the three C's. That is the same as 2016. It
was 76 cents in 2015 and 74 cents for 2014. Ms. Beckner continued that 4 cents for
every tax dollar goes for public safety, administration, and financial services. Ms.
Beckner opened the floor for comments or questions from Mr. Hart and the Board.
John Hart, County Administrator, said this is a good budget with no tax increase.
County employees and managers manage their budgets and continue to look at cost
saving measures or efficiencies. We are maintaining quality of life in the county, which
this budget provides. He explained that items are in contingency and we have not
identified specific positions that have been approved, but there is a sum of money in
contingency and managers will go through a process review and the positions must
prove to add to quality of life or efficiencies as Commissioner Thomas has mentioned in
the past. This is a good budget and we will accomplish what we want moving forward.
Commissioner Ziobrowski said the Board has spent the last couple of days at the
CCAP conference and were told that the State budget is underperforming by '/2 Billion
dollars. He said unless the state is willing to find additional revenue or raise the state
income tax, are we prepared to start paying for more programs if the state does not pass
a budget.
Mr. Hart responded that we are prepared with a reasonable reserve, we can
maintain our current operations, or use contingency, use reserves or move money
around. We may have a moratorium on purchases for six months and report back to the
Board on what we are seeing and ask for directions as far as expenditures in the second
half of the year.
Commissioner Thomas said the CCAP Board of Directors has discussed the state
issue and the potential that there will be cuts in the first half of the year because of their
budget. He said we need to be prepared.
Commissioner Keller noted that the budget will be on the counter for twenty days.
He echoes the comments of Commissioners Thomas and Ziobrowski and thanked
everyone involved in putting the budget together. He is in agreement with what has
been presented. He thinks the priorities have been addressed that were mentioned
during the "all requests" budget presentation a few weeks ago. Chairman Keller said
there were over 6 million in additional personnel and capital requested and that has
been brought down to a manageable number. He said without objection the budget will
be put on the counter and on the county's website and the Board will accept any
comments from the public in the next twenty days.
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The meeting was adjourned at 3:03 p.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas;
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS