HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 Budget in Brief - FINALf r a n k l i n c o u n t y p a .g o v
Budget In BRIEF
2026
2026
TABLE OF CONTENTSAn Introduction from the Chief Financial Officer3Franklin County's Mission, Vision, & ValuesFranklin County At a Glance5
Your County Commissioners6
Budget Summary, All Ser vices8
Budget Summary, General Fund12
2 Your County Government
Your 2026 Tax Dollar15
Property Taxes within Franklin County16
Franklin County Court Operations20
13 General Fund Revenue
14 General Fund Expenses
21 Franklin County Agricultural Preser vation
22 Terminology
4
Franklin County Elected Official Offices18
County Elected Officials-Clerk of Courts/Orphans' Court -Controller -Coroner -District Attorney -Prothonotary
-Register & Recorder
-Sheriff
-Treasurer
-Adult Probation
-Domestic Relations
-Juvenile Probation
-Juvenile, Support &
Divorce
Hearing Officers
Commissioners
County Administration
Jail
Planning
-Area Agency on Aging
-Children & Youth
-Drug & Alcohol
-Early Intervention
-Human Services
Administration
-Human Ser vices
Resources
Human Ser vices
-Intellectual &
Developmental
Disabilities
-Managed Care
-Mental Health
-Public Defender
-Veterans Affairs
-Fiscal
-Procurement
-Tax Services
(Assessment,
Appeals &
Claims)
General Services
-Human
Resources
-Risk
Management
Personnel Services
-911
-Emergency
Management
Agency
-Hazardous
Materials
Emergency Ser vices
-Custodial
-Maintenance
Property Management
-Archives and Records
Management
-Communications
-Elections
-Grants Management
-Open Records
-Voter Registration
Commissioners' Office
-Information
Technology
Services
-Geographic
Information
Systems
Information Technology
FranklinCounty Citizens Court of Common PleasElected President Judge Court-RelatedAppointed/ Elected-Court Administration -Magisterial DistrictJudges
Solicitors
-Elected Judges
-Custody
-Central Booking
-Records
-Treatment
-Medical
-Correctional Emergency
Response Team
-Planning
-Community Support &
Housing
-Agricultural Land
Preservation
-Metropolitan Planning
Organization
-Community Development
Block Grant
-Mosquito & Tick-Borne
Disease Control
Your County Government
Court-Related Departments
2026 Budget in Brief - County of Franklin02
We are pleased to present the County's 2026 annual budget, a strategic financial plan that reflects our continued commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and ser vice to the community. This year's budget marks a significant milestone as we transition to a new methodology: Target-Based Budgeting. This approach aligns resources more directly with community priorities and outcomes, ensuring that every dollar is purposefully allocated to where it can
have the greatest impact.
While local tax dollars remain a vital part of our funding, they are
just one component of a broader financial framework. We continue
to maximize the value of state and federal allocations, grants, and
partnerships to extend the reach of our resources. This collaborative
and diversified funding strategy supports essential services across
criminal justice, public safety, health and human services, and other
core functions that sustain our community.
Like many local governments, we face ongoing fiscal challenges.
Rising costs, inflation, and increased demand for ser vices continue
to outpace revenue grow th. Our reser ve balances, critical for
financial stability, have been drawn down in recent years to
preser ve vital programs. In response, Target-Based Budgeting
enables us to make more intentional, data-informed decisions that
balance immediate needs with long-term sustainability.
Amid shifting economic and political landscapes, our focus remains
on stability, transparency, and delivering services that meet the
evolving needs of our community. Despite these pressures, our
commitment to high-quality ser vice delivery remains steadfast. We
are focused on innovation, efficiency, and accountability to ensure
that public funds are used wisely and effectively.
Dear Franklin County Taxpayers and Residents,
We recognize that trust is built through openness and
communication. This Budget in Brief is part of our ongoing effort to
keep you informed about how your tax dollars are used and how we
are planning for the future.
We invite you to explore this document and learn more about our
financial priorities and the steps we are taking to build a stronger,
more resilient Franklin County.
Sincerely,
Teresa Beckner, CPA, CGMA
Chief Financial Officer
An Introduction from the Chief Financial Officer Franklin CountyTarget-Based Budget ProcessA forecast of next year's revenue is developed and presented to the Board of Commissioners.Revenue ForecastAugustThe Fiscal Department budgets fixed costs and targets are established for each department to sustain their core ser vices.
Core ServicesSeptember
Departments submit applications for supplemental funding above their target allocation to be used for expansion of services, capital items, or personnel changes.
Supplemental Funding
Applications
M i d -L a t e O c t o b e r
Departments allocate their target funding across individual line items based on operational needs.
Target Allocations
L a t e S e p t e m b e r
The proposed budget is presented to the Board of Commissioners and available for public inspection.
Proposed Budget
N o v e m b e r 1 9 , 2 0 2 5
Budget Adoption
The Board of Commissioners is anticipated to adopt the proposed budget and set the tax rates for the upcoming year.
D e c e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 2 5
Supplemental Funding
Awards
Supplemental funding will be awarded to departments.
M a r c h 2 0 2 6
03 2026 Budget in Brief - County of FranklinNovember 19, 2025
A community moving for ward collaboratively to improve the lives of all residents while still honoring
our heritage.
Balancing efficiency and flexibility with fiscal discipline, we will seek sustainable resources, practice long-term planning, and be prudent when using resources.
STEWARDSHIP INTEGRITY
VISIBILITY
RESPONSIVENESS
ENGAGEMENT
EMPLOYEES
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
We will deliver on our commitments in a timely manner.
We will honestly exchange ideas and information, with the public and with co-workers, transparently and respectfully at all times.
We will strictly adhere to the moral, legal and ethical principles underlying our operations and service delivery.
We will hone our processes, our ser vices and ourselves knowing that big results come from many small changes over time.
We will work together to incorporate the needs, assets and perspectives of all aspects of the community into the design, implementation and delivery of programs.
We will value individuals' contributions to the organization and provide encouragement, opportunities and resources to support them in reaching their maximum potential.
ES R EVIC
Franklin County's Vision
Franklin County's Mission
Franklin County's Values
To enrich social, economic, and environmental vitality, Franklin County will provide ser vices which are responsive to the health, safety, and general welfare needs of County residents. The County government is dedicated to providing these ser vices through the efficient and effective use of the County's available resources in an honest, open, and caring manner. 2026 Budget in Brief - County of Franklin04
Source: FCADC, 2025 Franklin County Profile, published March 2025
1
1
1
1
Median Gross Rent
$1,071
Homeownership Rate
73%
Median Household Income
$74,946
Households
67,461
Franklin County At a Glance
Let t e r ke nn y Army D ep ot
Well S p a n He a lt h
Targe t Co r p o rati on
M a n i t ow oc C ran e G ro u p
C ha m be rsbur g Are a S c h ool Di st ri c t
Ve n t u ra Fo o d s L LC
F ra n k l i n C oun t y G ove r nm e n t
Wal-M a r t A s s o c i a te s I n c .
M a r t i n's Fa m o u s P a s t r y S hopp e
U lt a Be a ut y Dist rib ut i o n LLC
Major Franklin County Employers
Franklin County Population & Housing
County Population
2,021 2,022 2,023 2,024
156,000
157,000
158,000
159,000
2021 2022 2023 2024
05 2026 Budget in Brief - County of Franklin
Source: US Census Bureau, Franklin County Quick Facts, July 2023
Source: Lightcast Economic Overview, Franklin County, PA Q4 2024
Unemployment
Rate 3.0%
Source: PA Department of Labor and Industry, Workforce InformationNew Release, Chambersburg-Waynesboro MSA, December 2024
Average Hourly
Rate $25.54
Source: PA Department of Labor and Industry, Center for Workforce Information and Analysis, Franklin County Profile, December 2024
Businesses in
Franklin County 3,400+
Source: FCADC, 2025 Franklin County Profile, published March 2025
“Moving to a Target-Based Budget model really
provides a clearer picture of the County's financial
position. It is a change in mindset that provides
departments with a proactive approach to taking
collective responsibility for spending and requests.
Gone are the days when departments would submit a
'wish list' of items and personnel changes for the
coming year. Instead, departments now submit
supplemental funding requests for any capital
expenditures and enhancements to programming they
may need or want. In this way, there is a more
conscious, shared responsibility and a holistic approach
to being responsible financial stewards of taxpayers'
money.”
Dean Horst, ChairmanThe three County Commissioners constitute the chief governing body of the County. The Commissioners are vested with policy-making authority to provide certain local services and facilities on a county-wide basis. Administrative powers and duties of the County Commissioners encompass voter registration and elections, assessment of property, human service programs, veterans affairs, the 911 call center and emergency ser vices, operation of a county jail, operation and maintenance of County-owned bridges, appointment of County personnel, and budget and finance management. The
Commissioners are the sole contractors for the
County; as such, they make contracts and purchases
for all purposes expressly or implicitly authorized by
law. The position of Commissioner is a county-wide
elected office with a term of four years; their current
term is 2024-2027. The County Commissioners sit
jointly as members of the Retirement Board, Salary
Board, Election Board, Prison Board, and Franklin
County Area Development Corporation.
Your County Commissioners 2026 Budget in Brief - County of Franklin06 1st term; 2024-2027How does the new Target-Based Budget model compare to the County's previous approach to its budget?
Dean HorstCommissioner Chairman
(Target-Based Budgeting) is a change in mindset that provides departments with a proactive approach to taking collective responsibility for spending and requests.
2026 Budget in Brief - County of Franklin 07
“The 2026 budget supports specific goals and policy
objectives identified in the County's 10-year
comprehensive plan, such as land use, historic
preservation, open space and greenways development,
housing, and transportation. Included are funds for
agricultural conservation as well as for the
maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement of
county-owned bridges. The County will also continue its
exploration of the ever-changing digital frontier to find
ways to achieve efficiencies across departments both in
manpower and taxpayer dollars. That includes
integrating technology like artificial intelligence into our
processes and expanding our digital data retention
efforts to reduce the footprint of county services. As
Commissioners, it's our responsibility to ensure Franklin
County continues to be a prime place to live, work, and
recreate, and the 2026 budget supports those efforts."
Robert Ziobrowski
How does the 2026 budget prepare us for our future?
"Like in previous years our 2026 budget prioritizes the safety and welfare of Franklin County residents, including some of our most vulnerable citizens: our children, our seniors, our veterans, and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The budget supports our priorities of safety and security at the Franklin County Jail as well as preservation of farmland.
Finally, the budget reflects the County's commitment to
attracting and maintaining a quality workforce by
offering a competitive compensation package for
current employees and those we aim to attract in the
coming years so we can continue providing the best
possible service to Franklin County residents."
John Flannery
5th term; 2024-2027
2nd term; 2024-2027How is the 2026 budget consistent with past budgets?Robert ZiobrowskiCommissioner The County will also continue its exploration of the ever-changing digital frontier to find ways to achieve efficiencies across departments...
John Flannery Commissioner
...our 2026 budget prioritizes the safety and welfare of Franklin County residents, including some of our most vulnerable citizens...
2026 Budget in Brief - County of Franklin08... A comprehensive lookThe 2026 budget reflects the Commissioners’ ongoing commitment to preserving essential ser vices for County residents. It prioritizes funding for human ser vices and veteran programs, ensures the continued safety and security of the community, and leverages technology to enhance government efficiency and service delivery.The budget also dedicates funding to support County operations that require additional resources for capital replacements and strategic expansions, ensuring the County can continue delivering high-quality ser vices to residents in the years ahead.
County Operations Trust and Fiduciary FundsElected OfficialsJailPlanningCourt-related officesTax Ser vicesVoter Ser vicesCapital ProjectsDebt Service
Retirement
Post-employment health benefits
Workers' compensation trust funds
Self-funded health benefits
911 Center and Emergency ServicesHuman Service programsBridge programvarious grant programsdepartments that provide building, technology, records, personnel, and financial support services to other County operations
For additional information regarding revenue terminology, see page 22 .
Budget Summary, All Ser vices
50.150.1 50.1
1.51.5 1.5
11.411.4 11.4
32.732.7 32.7
19.019.0 19.0
1.51.5 1.5
7.87.8 7.8
49.149.1 49.1
1.51.5 1.5
12.012.0 12.0
33.933.9 33.9
19.019.0 19.0
1.61.6 1.6
9.49.4 9.4
0 10 20 30 40 50
Taxes
Investment Income
Federal
State
Charges for Services
Contributions & Other
Transfers from Other
Sources $ i n m i l l i o n s
2 0 2 6 2 0 2 5
Re ve n u e s
County Operations $1 24 .0 M
For County Operations, the total revenue budget decreased by $2.6 million from 2025 to 2026. With no tax increase budgeted, tax revenues are expected to remain relatively flat, reflecting only a modest increase d ue to natural grow th of the tax base. Federal revenues are projected to decline slightly, while state revenues are expected to see a more notable decrease. This is primarily due
to anticipated reductions in grant
allocations and Human Ser vices funding.
Rev e n u e sAll Ser vicesExpenses
All Services
N et I n c om e (U se of Re s e r v e s )
$124.0 M $126.6 M ($2.6) M
$132.4 M $140.4 M ($8.0) M
($8.4) M ($13.8) M ($5.4) M
BUDGET'26 BUDGET'25 CHANGE FROM PRIOR YEARCounty O p e ra t i o ns
(sum may not total due to rounding)
How does the 2026 budget compare? 2026 Budget in Brief - County of Franklin 09
25 Mills for General Operations
The property tax millage rate remains
unchanged at 29.1 mills for 2026.
For more information about Franklin County's property taxes, see page 16.
4.1 Mills for Debt Service
On the expenditure side, the 2026
County Operations budget is $8.0
million less than in 2025. The most
significant factor contributing to this
reduction is a decrease in capital
project funding, which drops from $7.2
million in 2025 to $3.4 million in 2026. In
addition, allocations for community
support and public works have been
scaled back due to the phasing out of
post-pandemic support funding.
20.520.5 20.515.915.9 15.9
27.727.7 27.7
41.241.2 41.2
9.19.1 9.1
10.110.1 10.1
5.35.3 5.3
2.52.5 2.5
21.821.8 21.815.915.9 15.9
28.428.4 28.4
43.043.0 43.0
11.911.9 11.9
13.813.8 13.8
5.65.6 5.6
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
General GovernmentJudicial Services
Public Safety
Human Services
Community Support & Public Works
Capital & Debt Service
Support to Other County Operations
Supplemental Funding*$ i n m i l l i o n s
2 0 2 6 2 0 2 5
Human
Ser vices
Public
Safety
General
Government
Includes Children & Youth Ser vices, Mental Health, Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities, Early Inter vention, Aging, Drug & Alcohol, Veterans Affairs, Public Defender, and Community Support & Housing.
Includes the Commissioners' office, Elections & Voter Services, Communications, Open Records, Grants, Tax Services, Planning, Geographic Information Systems, Recorder of Deeds, Controller, Treasurer, Archives, Fiscal, Procurement, Human Resources, Risk Management, Information Technology, and Property Management.
Community
Support &
Public Works
Includes community and economic development, culture and heritage, recreation, and the County's bridge program.
Judicial
Services
Includes Court Administration, Court of Common Pleas Judges, District Judges, District Attorney, Coroner, Clerk of Courts, Prothonotary, Register of Wills, Sheriff, and Domestic Relations.
Capital &
Debt Service
$1 3 2 .4 MExpensesCounty Operations
(sum may not total due to rounding)
Includes the Jail, Adult and Juvenile Probation, Emergency Management Agency, Hazmat, and 911.
Includes capital outlay and debt service payments.
How does the 2026 budget compare? 2026 Budget in Brief - County of Franklin10
*For more information on Supplemental Funding, see page 15.
The County will spend the largest
share of its $132.4M budget on
human service programs, with
$41.2 million budgeted for these
services in the upcoming year.
Area Agency on Aging provides supportive services to those 60 years of age and older, intended to optimize independence, promote consumer choice, and enhance quality of life.
Mental Health, Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities, and Early Intervention partners with the community to provide services to individuals with a serious mental illness, an intellectual disability, or a developmental delay.
Drug & Alcohol oversees and/or implements drug and alcohol services within Franklin and Fulton counties, including prevention, intervention, and case management.
Children & Youth Services is the local public child welfare agency responsible for assuring the safety and well-being of dependent and abused children from birth to age 18.
Other Human Services include public defense, services for veterans as well as community and housing services.
Children & Youth
Services
Area Agency on Aging
Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities/Early Intervention
47.1%
22.6%
12.1%
Drug & Alcohol7.9%
Human Services $32.63
10.3%Other
Out of every$100
Public
Safety
$22.54
General
Government
$12.47
Community
Support & Public
Works
$7.46
Judicial
Services
$13.99
Capital & Debt
Service
$10.91*
* - Includes $2.5M Supplemental Funding; see page 15.
How will the County spend its resources in 2026?Franklin County's budgeted expenses, County Operations2026 Budget in Brief - County of Franklin 11
-Excludes inter-fund transfers and internal transactions.
-Building operating costs have been reallocated from the general government category to the specific departmental functions that occupy each facility.
Human
Services
$32.63
Balancing the General Fund Budget
Estimated unrestricted
reser ves at year end
2026
$10.5M
For additional information regarding revenue terminology, see page 22.
2026 Budget in Brief - County of Franklin12General Fund Funding Sources$55,100,000
$4,100,000
$59,200,000 $59,200,000
$59,200,000General Fund ExpensesUse of Reserves
Budget Comparison
Budget Summary, General Fund
General Fund revenue increase
The increase in 2026 General Fund revenue is driven
by a larger tax base.
2026 Budget $55.1MChange from Prior Year 0.7%2025 Budget $54.7M2026 Budget in Brief - County of Franklin 13
Property tax revenue is the main revenue source for
the General Fund. The 2026 property tax revenue
budget of $41.8M represents 75.9% of total General
Fund revenue.
Tax Revenue
75.9%
Other
24.1%
*Assessed value as of 11.3.25
Where does General Fund revenue come from? 41.841.8 41.88.28.2 8.2
2.92.9 2.9
2.22.2 2.2
40.940.9 40.98.08.0 8.0
3.13.1 3.1
2.62.6 2.6
0 10 20 30 40
Property TaxesCharges for Services
Intergovernmental
(Federal & State)
Contributions &
Other Sources
2026
2025
$ in millions
General Fund Revenue
Budgeted increase in property tax
revenue from 2025 budget.$0.9M
*Increase in the value of one mill
based on assessments. 0.9%
(sum may not total due to rounding)
23.223.2 23.213.513.5 13.512.512.5 12.55.35.3 5.3
1.51.5 1.5
0.60.6 0.6
2.52.5 2.5
23.723.7 23.713.613.6 13.614.414.4 14.45.65.6 5.6
1.61.6 1.6
0.70.7 0.7
1.31.3 1.3
0 5 10 15 20
Public SafetyJudicial Ser vicesGeneral GovernmentSupport to Other County Operations
Human Ser vices
Community Support
and Public Works
Supplemental
Funding/Contingency
S u p p o r t t o O p e ra t i o n s o u t s i d e o f t h e G e n e r a l F u n d
Human Services (85.2%)
Domestic Relations (10.5%)
Emergency Ser vices (4.3%)
Human Service Transfers
Children & Youth (72.4%)
Mental Health,Intellectual & DevelopmentalDisabilities, and Early Intervention (4.2%)
Aging (4.3%)
Other Human Services (3.5%)
Drug & Alcohol (0.8%)
General Fund expense decreased
The decrease in the General Fund expense budget
for 2026 reflects the implementation of Target-
Based Budgeting, which aligns budget allocations
more closely with actual historical expenditures.
2026 Budget$59.2MChange from Prior Year 3.2%2025 Budget$61.1M2026 Budget in Brief - County of Franklin14General Fund Expenses General Fund expenses by function
(sum may not total due to rounding)
Public SafetyGeneral GovernmentJudicial Ser vicesSupport to other County Operations
Community Support & Public
Works
Budgeted cost to operate the General Fund
2026
$ 162,100/ day
2025
$ 167,400/ day
Human Ser vices
Supplemental Funding/
Contingency
$5 .3 M 2 0 2 6 B u d g e t
Public Safety .45 Judicial Ser vices .25 .11General GovernmentHuman Ser vices.13 Community Support &Public works.012026 Budget in Brief - County of Franklin 15How is a General Fund tax dollar spent?
What is Supplemental Funding?
General Fund dollars set aside to provide additional support for County operations above amounts allocated for core ser vices.
Personnel requests $0.8 M
Capital & Other requests $3.9 M
.05
Supplemental Funding
$ 2.5 M accounted for in the 2026 budget
Supplemental
Funding
Public Safety Judicial Services General Government
Community Support & Public Works Human Services
Supplemental Funding Requests
$ 4.7 M
Building operating costs have been reallocated from the general government category to the specific functions that occupy each facility.
See page 10 for category descriptions
Operating MillageTotal Operating Millage
Millage if adjusted by CPI-U **201720182019202020212022202320242025202625
27.5
30
32.5
Residential 66.1%
Commercial/Other
33.9%
+1
+10
2 0 1 1
2 0 0 1
1 9 9 1
2 0 2 1
*
Tax Base History
Tax Base
$1 ,3 6 1 ,3 4 5 ,0 0 0
$1 ,0 2 9 ,5 3 8 ,0 0 0
$8 24 ,85 9 ,0 0 0
$1 ,5 3 2 ,3 4 5 ,0 0 0
Percent Increase
3 2 .2 3 %
2 4 .8 1 %
1 2 .5 6 %
Increase
2 0 2 5
2 0 2 4
2 0 2 3
2 0 2 2
$1 ,6 0 0 ,1 7 9 ,0 0 0
$1 ,5 6 6 ,1 0 4 ,0 0 0
2 .1 8 %
2 .2 0 %
$3 4 ,0 7 5 ,0 0 0
$3 3 ,7 5 9 ,0 0 0
$3 3 1 ,8 0 7,0 0 0
$2 0 4 ,6 7 9 ,0 0 0
$1 71 ,0 0 0 ,0 0 0
*Assessed value as of 11.03.2025
In 2001 Franklin County changed pre-determined ratio from 40% to 100%.
$1.68BTax Base*Average annual increasein tax base (2022-2026)1.9%Increase in tax base from 20250.9%*
$1 ,6 3 8 ,8 6 8 ,0 0 0 $3 8 ,6 8 7,0 0 0 2 .4 2 %
$1 ,6 6 8 ,74 1 ,0 0 0 $2 9 ,8 7 5 ,0 0 0 1 .8 2 %
** Projected millage rate if it were increased each year with inflation
25.0since 2016 4.1Debt Ser vice Millage since 2019 Operating MillageProperty Taxes within Franklin County2026 Budget in Brief - County of Franklin16
2 0 2 6 $1 ,6 8 3 ,4 4 1 ,0 0 0 $1 4 ,7 0 0 ,0 0 0 0 .8 8 %
2026
2026 Budget in Brief - County of Franklin$607 17Annual property tax paid to the County for the average residential assessment.With that $607, the County leverages federal, state, and other funding to provide $1,308 in services.
17.7%
Other Funding $701 Property Taxes $607
On average, less than 18% of a
homeowner's real estate taxes are
paid to the County. The remaining
82% of real estate tax paid goes to
the resident's school district,
municipality, and library.
*
Tuscarora Waynesboro Area Shippensburg Green-castle-Antrim
Fannett-Metal Chambersburg Area
Municipality
School District
*Based on the averageassessment for aresidential propertyas of 11.3.2025Mont Alto BoroQuincy TwpWarren TwpWashington TwpMontgomery TwpPeters TwpWaynesboro BoroSt Thomas TwpOrrstown BoroSouthampton TwpShipp. Boro (W)Antrim TwpGreencastle BoroFannett TwpMetal TwpChbg BoroGreene TwpGuilford TwpHamilton TwpLetterkenny TwpLurgan TwpMercersburg Boro$3,000
$2,000
$1,000
$0
School
Municipal
Library
County
Property Taxes by Municipality
Tuscarora Waynesboro Area Shippensburg
Green-castle-Antrim
Fannett-Metal Chambersburg Area
Municipal Population ≤ 2,000≤ 4,000≤ 8,000≤ 16,000≤ 24,000 METAL TOWNSHIPFANNETT TOWNSHIPLURGAN TOWNSHIPLETTERKENNY TOWNSHIPHAMILTON TOWNS
H
I
P
ST. THOMAS TOWNSHIP
PETERS TOWNSHIP
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP
WARREN TOWNSHIPANTRIM TOWNSHIP
GREENCASTLE BOROUGH
WASHINGTONTOWNSHIP
WAYNESBORO BOROUGH
GUILFORD TOWNSHIP
MONT ALTO BOROUGHQUINCY TOWNSHIP
GR
E
E
N
E
TO
W
N
S
H
I
P
MERCERSBURG BOROUGH
ORRSTOWN BOROUGHSOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIPSHIPPENSBURG BOROUGHCHAMBERSBURG BOROUGH
2026 Budget in Brief - County of Franklin18Franklin County Elected Official OfficesCommissionersThe Franklin County Commissioners oversee core functions of County government such as Fiscal operations, Human Resources, Taxes, Voting, Emergency Ser vices, Jail operations, Human Service programs, Planning, and Information Technology, all while representing the best interests of Franklin County citizens.
Clerk of Courts
Todd Rock
3rd term; 2024-2027
The Franklin County Clerk of Courts/Orphans’ Court handles marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, and divorce decrees.
Controller
Harold Wissinger
3rd term; 2024-2027
The Franklin County Controller super vises fiscal affairs, including all of the accounts and official acts relating to elected officials, other county employees, and organizations that collect, receive, hold, or disburse public monies of the County.
Coroner
Jordan Conner
1st term; 2024-2027
The Franklin County Coroner investigates sudden unexpected deaths, and other deaths, as required by law.
The Franklin County District Attorney is dedicated to obtaining justice and works to protect and ser ve the citizens of Franklin County, preserving their quality of life by fostering an environment of safety and security.
District Attorney
1st term; 2024-2027
Ian Brink
Prothonotary
Timothy Sponseller
3rd term; 2024-2027
The Franklin County Prothonotary files all civil documents, including divorces, child custody, protection from abuse (PFA) orders, and judgments with the courts.
The Franklin County Register & Recorder registers, records, and files all documents pertaining to land records, deeds, mortgages, etc. and handles the probate of estates for executors or administrators.
Register & Recorder
Joy Heinbaugh
1st term; 2024-2027
Franklin County Elected Official Offices Treasurer1st term; 2022-2025Melody ShumanThe Franklin County Treasurer is responsible for the management of the County's financial accounts and investments, and acts as the primary agent on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the sale of certain licenses and permits.
Elected Official Budget Summary
2026 Budget in Brief - County of Franklin 19
Operating $1,176,800
Personnel $8,954,800
SheriffBenjamin Sites1st term; 2024-2027 The Franklin County Sheriff is responsible for enforcement of laws throughout the county, as well as serving warrants and other legal documents, providing court security, and transportation of prisoners.
Revenue $2,711,900
0 500,000 1,000,000
Register &
Recorder
Clerk of Courts
Sheri
Prothonotary
District Attorney
Treasurer
Coroner
$ $
Sheri
Prothonotary
Clerk of Courts
TreasurerRegister & RecorderProthonotaryClerk of CourtsCoronerControllerCommissionersDistrict AttorneySheri 0
500,000
1,000,000
1,500,000
2,000,000
2,500,000
3,000,000
$
$
$201,500
Supplemental Funding Requests
$
$
$
$
Expenses by Operation
Offices with no revenue have been excluded.
2026 Budget in Brief - County of Franklin20Franklin County Court Operations
Honorable Shawn D. Meyers
President Judge
Court-RelatedAppointed/ Elected-CourtAdministration -MagisterialDistrict Judges
-Adult Probation
-Domestic Relations
-Juvenile Probation
-Juvenile and Divorce
Hearing Officers
Court-Related Departments Court operations are overseen by the President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, who provides leadership and administrative supervision to all court-related operations.The Courts of Common Pleas are the trial courts of Pennsylvania where major civil and criminal cases are heard. The Magisterial District Courts hear minor criminal, Landlord-Tenant, and civil cases subject to some monetary limits.
In addition to the Court of Common Pleas
and Magisterial District Courts, court
operations include several departments and
functions, as illustrated in the graphic to the
left.
Court of Common PleasElected President Judge -Elected Judges
Expenses by Operation
Supplemental Funding Requests $1.3 M
General Fund Tax Dollars (71.1%)
Other Funding (28.9%)
Excludes Supplemental Funding Requests
Personnel Operating
Court Admin & …Magisterial Dis…Adult ProbationDomestic Relat…Juvenile Proba…0
2,000,000
4,000,000
Court
Administration
and Hearing
Officers
Magisterial
District
Judges
Adult
Probation
Domestic
Relations
Juvenile
Probation
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania employs
and funds the Judges of the Court of Common
Pleas, Magisterial District Judges as well as a
District Court Administrator and a Deputy
Court Administrator. All remaining costs
associated with Franklin County Court
operations are funded through the County’s
budget.
$
Personnel $10,400,000
Operating $3,200,000
$
Sources of Funding2nd term; 2020-2029
39th Judicial District
2026 Budget in Brief - County of Franklin 21Franklin County Agricultural Preser vation
Franklin County has a rich agricultural heritage and is home to more than 1,400 farms, many of which have been passed from one generation to the next. In today's modern world, those farms and the agricultural industry face many challenges. Many acres of prime farmland have been lost to housing grow th, commercial real estate, and industrial development.
The Franklin County Commissioners are committed to protecting the county's valuable farmland from future non-agricultural development. Since joining Pennsylvania's Agricultural Conser vation Easement Purchase Program in 1990, Franklin County and the Commonwealth have combined to invest more than $45 million in farmland preservation. These funds have helped protect 170 farms and more than 20,000 acres of farmland, a significant milestone achieved in 2025. Franklin County ranks 10th out of Pennsylvania's 67 counties for total acres preser ved, and dozens of farms are on the waiting list to join the county's Agricultural Preservation Program.
For 2026, Franklin County has budgeted $745,000 for agricultural conser vation.Top
10
Franklin County ranks 10th out of Pennsylvania's 67 counties for total acres preserved
Preserved Land
These funds will be used to preser ve three farms totaling over 372 acres. That investment, leveraged with the state's matching funds, will go a long way in the County's continued efforts to ensure local farmland is protected and natural resources are available for future generations to enjoy.
As of September 2025
Interest and Investment Earnings: Interest and
dividends earned on bank deposits or other
investments, including gains from sale of investments.
Property Taxes: General purpose and special millages, including debt ser vices and library taxes.
Taxes: Levied directly by the County for its own use.
Included in this category of tax revenues are current
and delinquent taxes, including principle and interest
on delinquencies, and hotel taxes.
Charges for Services: Payments from customers for
the provision of specific services to a person or
entity. Payments can include revenue from another
governmental unit for specific ser vices provided.
Contributions & Other: Sources of funds not shown
elsewhere.
Intergovernmental: Receipts from other
governments (federal, state, and local) in the form of
grants, entitlements, or payments in lieu of taxes.
Transfers: Represents operating transfers of funds
from one governmental fund to another
governmental fund when one fund is legally
responsible to support the other (e.g. General Fund
and Human Ser vices).
Mill: One-tenth (0.1) of one cent, or .001 of
one dollar.
Millage: The rate used in calculating taxes
based upon the assessed value of a property,
expressed in mills.
Terminology
2026 Budget in Brief - County of Franklin22
Fiscal Director
Janelle Friese, CGFM
Erin Witmer, CPA, CGMA
Assistant Fiscal Director
Chief Financial Officer
Teresa Beckner, CPA, CGMA
Stacy Rowe
Assistant Fiscal Director, Human Ser vices
Mission
Our mission is to provide effective and efficient fiscal
support through analysis and guidance for all County
operations. We promote and sustain fiscal responsibility,
providing these ser vices on a timely basis and in a
manner that is professional, cost-effective, and
client/customer-focused.
Acknowledgement
This document is the result of efforts of the Fiscal
Department, Commissioners' Office, and others. We
gratefully acknowledge all who provided statistics and
other data for this document.
fiscal@franklincountypa.gov
2026 Budget in Brief - County of Franklin 23
Presented by:
The Franklin County Fiscal Department
Figures accurate as of 11.19.25
Franklin CountyPennsylvania
franklincountypa.gov
facebook.com/franklincountypa
717-264-4125
272 North Second Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201