HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-15 Commissioner MinutesWEDNESDAY, July 15, 2026
The Franklin County Commissioners met on Wednesday, July 15, 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.
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 July 8, 2026.
Vouchers in the amount of $1,085,377.51
Agreement between the County of Franklin and Perseus House, Inc. for shelter and
transitional living placement services. Services billed at an average rate of $340.00 per day.
Funding is 80% state with a 20% required match from the General Fund.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and Valley Youth House Committee, Inc. for
shelter and specialized settings ranging from $325.00 - $615.00 per day based on child
placement. Funding is 80% state with a 20% required match from the General Fund.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and GetResQ911 to provide professional
staffing services for the Franklin County Department of Emergency Services, dispatch and call
centers at a cost not to exceed $291,800.00 for a period of six months starting at contract
signing. This will be paid from available Act 12 funds; costs in excess of available Act 12 Funds
would be paid from the General Fund.
Supplemental Appropriation for the Indigent Defense grant that was allocated
$90,767.00 in additional funds from the state. The grant funds will be used for retention
bonuses, temporary staff during an absence, training and travel, and various equipment and
software. There is no cost to the General Fund.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and Department of Human Services, Bureau
of Financial Operations to revise the Human Services Block Grant Annual Income and
Expenditure Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. Expenditures total $5,859,800.00, with
$153,9 31.00 required county match (2.7%). Retained earnings carried forward to FY 2025-2026
totaled $180,651.00.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and PA Department of Human Services for
the Human Services Block Grant 2026-2027 to taling $6,241,086.00. Grant programs include:
Mental Health, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Drug and Alcohol, Homeless
Assistance Program, and Human Services Development Fund.
Amendment to the agreement between the County of Franklin and the County of York on
behalf of the York County Shelter Care for emergency shelter care for youth under Children and
Youth Care as well as Juvenile Probation.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and York County Detention for use of
d etention beds in York County as needed to ensure the safety of the community, as well as the
youth that we work with, at a cost of $1,240.60 per day.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and Clinton County Solid Waste Authority
designating Municipal Solid Waste Disposal Capacity for the next 10 years and allowing
Municipal Solid Waste generated within Franklin County to be disposed of at their facil ity.
Proposal between the County of Franklin and Ralph E. Tolbert Masonry, Inc. for repair
work to the bench in the Judicial Center courtyard, which was damaged by an automobile. The
repair work is being done by the company who did the original work at a cost o f $5,750.00. This
will be an Insurance claim. Property Management has received documentation through Risk that
the insurance will 100% reimburse the county the cost of this repair. There will be no cost to the
County.
The Board reviewed regular agenda items. Ms. Gray provided a high-level overview of
each of the actions.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by John T. Flannery, the Board
approved the reappointments of Abhishek Nitturkar and Bonnie Miller to the Franklin/Fulton
County Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities/Early Intervention Adviso ry
Board for a three (3) year term of May 2026 through May 2029. Commissioner Ziobrowski
stated that Dr. Nitturkar and Ms. Miller are both valued members and he is happy to have them
serve again.
Ms. Gray introduced Human Resources Director Tiffany Bloyer to present the 2026 Nursing
Scholarships. Ms. Bloyer reported that the demand for skilled nursing care in Franklin County
had reached a historic high. She noted that, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics,
nursing employmen t was projected to grow by five to six percent between 2024 and 2034, a rate
faster than the average for most careers. Sh e added that approximately 40 percent of registered
nurses expected to retire or lea ve th e profession within the next five years, based on information
from the American Association of Nursing. Ms. Bloyer stated that these trends reinforced why
the County had continued offering nursing scholarships to local students. S h e explained that the
Commissioners had recognized the growing need for nur ses and had established the
scholarship program in 2017 to support students pursing nursing education. Since that time, six
highly qualified students each year had received a $2,5 00.00 non-renewable scholarship, and in
total the County had awarded $148,000.00 to 60 aspiring nurses. She reported that the
scholarship was open to high school seniors residing in Franklin County for at least one year
and accepted into a four-year nursing program. This year, 12 applications were received and
reviewed by Ms. Bloyer and two local nursing officers Jill Harshman, vice president and chief
nursing officer of WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital, and Monica D iehl, Keystone Health chief
nursing officer. They evaluated each application, transcript, essay, and character reference
individually before selecting the recipients. Ms. Bloyer noted that the choices had been difficult,
as the applicants were all inspiring, de monstrated involvement in extracurricular and community
activities, and many had already worked or volunteered within the field of nursing. Ms. Bloyer
then introduced the 2026 recipients: Ms. Makenzie Brinkman, a graduate of Chambersburg
Area Career Magnet School, who will be attending Wilson College; Ms. Tara Brown, a graduate
of Chambersburg Area Senior High School, who will be attending Messiah University; Ms.
Kinzee Hudson, a graduate o f Greencastle-Antrim High School, who will be attending University
of North Carolina Wilmington; Ms. Madelyn Koons, a graduate of Chambersburg Area Senior
Hi g h School, who will be attending Wilson College; Ms. Mariska Neff, a graduate of
Chambersburg Area Career Magnet School, who will be attending Duquesne University; and
Ms. Ava Zeigler, a graduate of Chambersburg Area Senior High School, who will be attendin g
Bloomsburg Campus Commonwealth University. C ommissioner Horst thanked the recipients for
choosing a profession greatly needed in the community. He extended best wishes for their
upcoming college careers and encouraged the m to return to Franklin County a f ter completing
their studies. He stated that the Bo a rd looked fo rward to hearing about their future successes.
Commissioner Flannery congratulated the scholarship recipients and shared that nursing had
been an important profession within his own family. He noted that his sister became a nurse
later in life and that she was often the first person he contacted for medical advice. He
encourag ed the students, remarking that as they progressed they would become skilled and
highly trusted in their field. Commissioner Flannery also mentioned having a niece who worked
as a traveling nurse and noted that the profession could be financially rewarding. He
encouraged the recipients to consider returning to Franklin County to serve the community after
completing their education. He extended his congratulations o nce again and wished all the
students the best in their future endeavors. Commissioner Ziobrowski congratulated the
scholarship recipients and stated that nursing was a noble profession of which they should be
proud. He remarked that nurses are the individuals closest to the patient and shared that he
came from a medical family, noting that several of his relatives, including his late father, worked
in the medical field. He emphasized that nurses are widely regarded as the most important part
of the healthcare team and thanked the recipients for pursuing the profession.
The Board reviewed Proclamation #202 6-19 for the purpose of proclaiming Zion Union
Cemetery 150th Anniversary. Ms. Gray introduced Mr. Chris F risby stating that he has been
instrumental in the work that has been happening over in Mercersburg with respect to the
recognition of the cemetery. Mr. Frisby thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation and
expressed his appreciation for the strong partnerships within Franklin County. He reflected on
his more than 20 years as a steward of Zion Union Cemetery and noted that he had benefited
from early mentorship and support from individuals in Mercersburg, Chambersburg, and
Harrisburg. He recalled past partners who had assisted him in preserving and honoring the
partnership and support made this work possible and stated that he was humbled and grateful
for the recognition and ongoing collaboration. Commissioner Horst thanked Mr. Frisby for his
ongoing work to preserve the history of Zion Union Cemetery. He emphasized the importance of
maintaining this history for both the current generation and those to come, noting that it reflects
tity and values. He expressed appreciation for the
dedication involved in keeping that history alive. Commissioner Flannery welcomed Mr. Frisby
and remarked that it was good to see him. He reflected on his many memories of Mercersburg
and expressed his strong appreciation for the community. He thanked Mr. Frisby for his
stewardship of Zion Union Cemetery, noting that it was a meaningful and commendable
undertaking. Commissioner Flannery stated that he missed being in Mercersburg and
expressed gratitude for individuals like Mr. Frisby who cared for important community resources
and historic places. Commissioner Ziobrowski welcomed Mr. Frisby and noted that he had
previously worked with the County earlier in his professional career. He commented that the
surroundings looked different since that time. Commissioner Ziobrowski congratulated him and
stated that he looked forward to attending the upcoming event in person on Saturday.
Commissioner Horst then read the proclamation an d it was 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 award for Preventative Maintenance and Service on
Uninterrupted Power Supplies. Ms. Gray introduced Director of Procurement Robin Harmon to
present the recommendation for the award. Ms. Harmon stated that last week was the bid
opening with five bids. She stated United Power Systems w as the lowest responsive bid at
$19,200.00 and recommend them for award. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded
by John T. Flannery; the Board unanimously approved the bid award. Commissioner Flannery
. The incumbent
was Jantech, but U nited Power Systems had a good reputation and is large enough.
Ms. Gray introduced Election Director Susan Christophel and Assistant Director of
Elections Logan Hykes to present the Election program to keep everyone well acquainted with
the different programs with their emerging trends, topics of interest and any concerns they may
have. Their presentation was made a part of these minutes. Commissioner Horst thanked Ms.
Christophel and commended her for clearly outlining the facts regarding poll workers. He
emphasized that elections are one of the most important responsibilities of the County and
stated
staff for their effective work. Commissioner Flannery
election staff performed a phenomenal job. He asked for clarification regarding poll worker
compensation. Ms. Christophel confirm ed that poll workers were paid based on the length of the
workday and voter turnout in the precinct and that t he maximum allowable amount to pay a poll
worker in Pennsylvania is $200.00. Commissioner Flannery also emphasized that elections
occurred twice every year, not only during presidential cycles, and remarked that the off year
elections were often the most important because they determined local officials. He again
thanked them for all of the work that they do. Ms. Christophel stated it s not just them. They are
fortunate enough to have do it without the m.
o ther tasks for those two weeks.Commissioner Ziobrowski stated
that the reason we have good help is because we have good leadership.He remarked that if
Senator Mastriano were appointed as an ambassador to Slovakia, he hoped the timing would
prevent the need for a special election, noting that the cost of conducting an election outside the
regular cycle, particularly with 492 poll workers, would be significant. He acknowledged that
some support would be provided by the Commonwealth but stated that he was unsure how
much assistance would be available for a special election.Commissioner Flannery asked if the
County would be compensated additionally through the state for the cost of having to run a
special election. sure but would find out. C ommissioner
Ziobrowski asked Ms. Gray if she remembered who picked up the cost for the special election
that was held a number of years ago in the Tuscarora School District. Ms. Gray stated she
t sure who picked up the cost and would have to look into it.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; Seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board
unanimously approved to enter an exec utive session at 10:3 8 a.m. for the purpose of reviewing
potential litigation. There will be no action required after the executive session.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; Seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board
unanimously approved to reconvene into regular session at 11:16 a.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 1 1:17 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
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Dean A. Horst, Chairman
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John T. Flannery
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Robert G. Ziobrowski
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