HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-09-09 Commissioner MinutesWEDNESDAY, September 9, 2026
The Franklin County Commissioners met on Wednesday, September 9, 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 public comment from Valerie Jordan who attended the Chambersburg Area
School District board meeting and expressed concern s about their plans for financing upcoming
construction projects. Ms. Jordan also reported that county finances appeared to be in good
stride, as confirmed by the C hief F inancial O fficer. She planned to continue advocating for
financial prudence over the next three months. She raised the issue of pay disparities in
Franklin County, PA. She emphasized the need for pay increases for county helpers,
correctional officers, and probation officers, citing the challenges posed by rising costs and low
hourly wages. Ms. Jordan urged the board to address staffing shortages, particularly in the
county jail, and to consider pay raises for essential staff. She highlighted that the CFO
presented a positive revenue outlook but stressed the importance of following the money and
making decisions that support county employees.
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 2, 2026.
Vouchers in the amount of $1,526,137.95.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and Zullinger, Davis, Trinh, P.C. for solicitor
services provided at a rate of $75.00 per hour. This rate increased $10.00 per hour to match the
courts current rate. Funding will be 80% state with a 20% required cou nty match paid by the
General Fund.
The CAC Endowment Act Award is a Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and
Delinquency pass-through to Franklin County Children's Advocacy Center in the amount of
$99,882.00. It will be used to support the position of a Family Advocate which will sustain and
me et the growing needs of the Children's Advocacy Center. This is at no cost to the County.
Project Modification Request #9 to Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and
Delinquency to move $5,300 out of the line allocated to th e temporary paralegal, to support
additional hours (wages and benefits) for the three existing legal assistants in the Public
Defender's office. They will be working up to five additional hours per week while the Public
Defender's paralegal is on leave. This is at no cost to the County.
Agreement renewal between the County of Franklin and County of Adams to house
Franklin County inmates at the Adams County Correctional Complex. This agreement is based
upon availability of bed space per Adams County. Adams County Correctional Complex is
PREA certified and abides by all PA Title 37 regulations. The cost per inmate includes housing
and meals at $80.00 per inmate per day. This will be paid by the General Fund.
Agreement renewal between the County of Franklin and County of Cumberland to house
Franklin County inmates at the Cumberland County Prison. This agreement is based upon
availability of bed space per Cumberland County. Cumberland County Prison is PREA certified
and abides by all PA Title 37 regulations. The cost per inmate includes housing and meals at
$100.00 per inmate per day. This will be paid by the General Fund.
T he Board reviewed regular agenda items. County Administrator Carrie Gray provided a
high-level overview of each of the actions.
The Board reviewed Proclamation #2026-21 for the purpose of proclaiming September
Suicide Prevention Month. Ms. Cori Seilhamer, Mental Health Program Specialist, emphasized
that suicide prevention is an ongoing community effort, not limited to a single moment or
individual. She highlighted the importance of fostering relationships within the community to
support growth and well-being. The goal is to ensure people know where to find help before
they need it, creating a safe environment where asking for help is encouraged and normalized.
She encouraged everyone to be aware of available support resources, to ask questions if
attendees that the 988 helpline is available not only for those in crisis but also for those
supporting someone in crisis.
Ms. Alexandra Stanton, a suicide prevention specialist with the Mental Health
Association, shared insights from her five years of experience in Franklin County. She
highlighted that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, noting its brief
drop t o 11th during COVID-19 but its return to the top 10 afterward. She emphasized that
suicide is a significant public health issue, often overlooked until it affects individuals personally.
She stressed the importance of open, honest conversations to reduce stigma and encourage
those struggling to seek help. Locally, she no ted the close-knit nature of the community means
that suicide impacts everyone. She shared statistics: one person dies by suicide every 11
minutes in the U.S., and for every death, there are 25 attempts. She observed that rates have
increased since COVID-19. She concluded by reminding attendees that suicide prevention is
not solely the responsibility of clinicians or experts; anyone can help simply by offering a
listening ear and supporting awareness.
Commissioner Horst thanked Ms. Seilhamer and Ms. Stanton for bringing attention to
suicide prevention. He acknowledged that the issue is ongoing and not the responsibility of just
one person, but rather a collective effort. He emphasized the importance of keeping the
conversation active and supporting those in need, ensuring they feel empowered to reach out
and have meaningful discussions.
Commissioner Flannery expressed concern over the staggering statistics related to
suicide, acknowledging the importance of early intervention and awareness. He thanked Ms.
Seilhamer for mentioning the 988 helpline and encouraged further discussion of public
resources, awareness signs, and actionable information that could benefit the audience and
listeners. He emphasized the value of sharing information in public meetings to help people
recognize warning signs and know where to seek help.
Ms. Kay Martin recommended the Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training, a free
program offered within the county that teaches how to recognize signs and symptoms of
suicidality and how to help someone access support. She emphasized that suicide affects all
areas of the community, including neighborhoods, churches, families, friends, and workplaces,
and encouraged local churches, civic organizations, and schools to participate in QPR sessions
to better equip themselves to address suicide prevention. The phone number for the county
crisis hotline is 717-264-2555. This hotline provides access to a crisis intervention specialist and
can be reached in addition to the national 988 helpline. Both numbers are available for
individuals in crisis or those supporting someone in crisis, offering immediate assistance an d
support within the county.
Ms. Carol Slimmer, CSP Manager at Mental Health Association, emphasized the
importance of suicide prevention, noting the staggering statistics shared and highlighting
session scheduled for Tuesday, September 15th at 2:00 p.m. at the Mental Health Association
office, taught by Ms. Stanton, with a one-year certification for participants. She also shared that
the Mental Health Association operates a helpline (717-264-2916) open every evening 5 p.m. to
10 p.m., weekends, and holidays, regardless of weather, staffed by specialists ready to assist
anyone in need. She reiterated that suicide is a significant concern for the organization and
encouraged community members to utilize available resources.
Commissioner Zioborwski reflected on the personal impact of suicide, sharing that his
mother attempted suicide at age 50 but survived and received the help she needed, living
another 32 years. He acknowledged
expressed gratitude for the ongoing efforts to address this important issue.
Commissioner Horst then read the proclamation and 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.
Ms. Gray introduced Grants Director and CJAB Coordinator Melodie Hoff to present the
CJAB Sequential Intercept Model and the recent mapping exercise to keep everyone well
acquainted with the different programs with their emerging trends, topics of interest and any
these minutes.
Commissioner Horst thanked Ms. Hoff for the presentation, acknowledging the
He emphasized that achieving these priorities
engaged and active group working together to bring these goals to fruition.
Commissioner Horst announced Ms.
e noted the privilege of being able to honor
Ms. Kline and looked forward to meeting her and celebrating this milestone. The C ertificate of
Appreciation has been made a part of these minutes. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
Seconded by John T. Flannery;the Board unanimously approved the C ertificate of Appreciation.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:36 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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