HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-11-22 Commissioner Minutes
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2023
The Franklin County Commissioners met Wednesday, November 22, 2023, with the
following members present: David S. Keller and John T. Flannery (attended virtually).
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.
The meeting was live streamed.
Chairman Keller announced that Commissioner Ziobrowski will not be attending the
meetings today. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously
approved to adopt the agenda.
Mayor Dick Starliper provided public comment and wanted to wish everyone a Happy
Thanksgiving and to enjoy their meal with their family and friends.
Kim Wertz provided public comment and wanted to wish everyone a Happy
Thanksgiving.
On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved
all bills presented and ordered paid.
The minutes of the November 15, 2023 meeting were reviewed. On a motion by John T.
Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the minutes.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Chairman Keller asked John
Boozer, Project Manager, to explain the two change orders. Mr. Boozer explained that Change
Order-011 from Lobar, Inc. is for structural steel that supports the main HVAC unit on the roof of
Courthouse Annex project. After they removed the steel from the previous unit, they realized
that it was severely deteriorated and must be removed and changed out. It was a hidden item
the steel locally like we did with the Courthouse. Mr. Boozer responded that for this particular
case we are not,
steel. Mr. Boozer continued that Change Order-012 from Lobar, Inc. is needed due to the fact
that we had selected ceramic tile for the project and when we got down to doing it, they no
longer make that tile. The other options that were available to them were an increase in price.
To get this back to meet our requirements and expectations that amount before us today. Mr.
Boozer continued that this is another important one that we have to consider also. Chairman
Keller said that he would like more information on one of the grant applications which is a Local
Share Grant for Risk Management for 15 stair chairs. Ms. Gray said that she is talking with
Alexis, the Risk Manager, to see if she can come to the meeting to provide more detail. These
would be to provide more accessibility for people in wheelchairs to access the second floor in
buildings that have a second floor and next to stairs there would be a wheelchair device to get
them to the second floor. Alexis can be here this afternoon to provide more detail. The items
will be decided upon in the afternoon session.
Teresa Beckner, Chief Financial Officer, and Janelle Friese, Fiscal Director, presented
the 2024 proposed budget to the Board which is attached and made a part of these minutes.
that
operations. Although many people may choose to view an electronic format, we provide a
physical copy for anyone who wants to review the budget in person. These same reports will
readers understand the budget and the various operations of the County. Our Budget in Brief
Continued on page 2
includes more graphics and valuable information again this year. A special thank you goes to
and
by talking about the General Fund (GF). When we presented the Preliminary (All Requests)
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budget to the Board on October 18, it showed a net use of reserves for the General Fund of
over $11 million to fund the operational, personnel and capital requests of all County operations.
The Commissioners provided the following direction to use in developing the 2024 budget: First
and foremost, the Board was not willing to consider a tax increase and we were to develop a
budget keeping that in mind; you asked that we use GF savings from 2023 budget performance,
as well as our capital projects (Fund 40) and our equipment replacement (Fund 41) funds for
any capita
keep in mind certain large capital items that are needed, such as the jail security system and a
cyber-security initiative, but also cautioned consideration of the services provided, focusing on
those that are mandated over those we have flexibility with; we built the 2024 budget using
for human services and veterans, maintaining public safety and security, using technology to
improve operations and delivery of services, evaluating personnel and capital expansion
requests with consideration of current and future operational plans, and providing competitive
pay and benefits for staff; in meeting your objectives, we used savings from 2023 operations,
before using other existing reserves; and underlying the budget is their directive for no tax
increase, reflecting your commitment to continue providing quality services while minimizing the
reserves consistent with our policy and best practices.
priorities and proposes the use of $2.7 million in General Fund reserves. We conducted budget
meetings and evaluated department requests, considering operating costs, and requests for
personnel and capital expansion. We reviewed revenue assumptions, evaluated line-item
requests for reasonableness, historical trends, and consistency with priorities, and made
adjustments accordingly. We are projecting net savings from the 2023 revised budget of almost
$2.5 million that can be used to fund the $2.7 million needed, reducing the net use of reserves
for 2024 to less than $200,000. Additionally, we utilized other funds to pay for minor and major
capital items where possible, including discretionary funds available to several operations. Our
capital projects fund, Fund 40 (not to be confused with the Court Facility Improvement Project
Funds), and equipment replacement fund, Fund 41, are budgeted to pay for $1.2 million of
capital items that would have otherwise been funded by General Fund dollars.
Janelle Friese stated that the General Fund is where we account for operations funded
primarily by tax dollars. The General Fund pays for the following: Court administration and MDJ
operations; adult and juvenile probation; the County jail; elected official offices; tax services;
elec
defender; property management; geographical information systems (GIS); and archives. She
continued that it also provides financial support to outside agencies, as well as human service
programs, the 911 center, HazMat, and Domestic Relations.
Ms. Friese said the General Fund revenue budget for 2024 is $55.4 million which is
about half a million dollars less than the General Fund revenue budget for 2023. Ms. Friese
provided the following information: Property Taxes are the largest revenue source in the
General Fund and represent 72.8% of General fund Revenue; the property tax millage rate for
general purposes remains the same as 2023 at 25.0 Mills. Using assessment totals, the value
of a mill increased 2.2% from 2023 to 2024, contributing about $35,000 per mill, for a total of
$875,000; based on assessed values as of last week, the value of 1 mill of taxes is $1,635,000;
looking at interest - higher returns and active cash flow management are why budgeted interest
earnings increased by about $800,000; the $350,000 decrease in Charges for Services more
accurately reflects reduced fees collected in the recent years in Adult Probation and Register &
ce.
Continued on page 3
Ms. Friese continued that the total General Fund expense budget is $58 million for 2024,
compared to the revised operating budget for 2023 of $58.7 million. Expenses are presented in
a different format in the Budget-in-Brief which categorizes them by function. The following
perspective; General Fund Wages and Benefits total $31.4 million, which makes up 54.1% of
the expense budget. The 2023 revised budget is $32.8 million. The primary reason for the
been adjusted downward in the 2024 budget to take advantage of the sufficient reserve in our
self-funded plan; Operating Costs include everything from service agreements to supplies,
vehicle operating expenses, and insurance, travel, utilities, and occupancy expenses, among
other general costs. It does not include wages and benefits, capital purchases, and transfers to
other operations. The 2024 budget for Operating Costs of $18.7 million makes up 32.2% of all
to support other County operations of $6.4 million is almost $100,000 more than the 2023
revised budget at $6.3 million. Increases in Children & Youth Services were offset by
reductions in Area Agency on Aging, Domestic Relations and general fund allocations to special
revenue funds. Fun
agricultural preservation program; and one thing to note is that we made the assumption that
the current regulation related to 911 funding will be renewed or continued at the same level as
in the past. Ms. Friese continued that the final expense category is Contingency: It remains the
expenditures that require further review or action. The 2024 budget includes $1.5 million in
contingency funds for personnel and capital items to be reviewed further before action is taken.
Ms. Beckner said the proposed General Fund operating budget for 2024 shows
revenues of $55.3 million, expenses of $58.0 million and utilization of GF reserves of $2.7
million. Based on 2023 projected budget performance and with the impact of this proposed
budget, General Fund unrestricted reserves at the end of 2024 are expected to be $9.9 million.
That equates to 62 days of General Fund expenses, which falls within our policy and the
recommendation of our auditors and Government Finance Officers Association best practices.
The ability to maintain reserves at the 60-90 days level has served as a cash flow safety net at
the start of each year, making it possible to avoid the need to borrow money for operations
during the first quarter. Additionally, our healthy reserve balance has contributed to our ability to
maintain our AA bond rating, making the market more favorable for the County to get better
rates when we borrow money for new projects or refinance existing debt.
-in-Brief.
This shows how the property tax dollars that the County collects are distributed to various types
of operations throughout the County. This only includes general operating millage and does not
include tax dollars collected for debt service and are used exclusively for paying principal and
interest on County bonds, notes, and other long-term debt. Our approach continues to be that
the Franklin County taxpayer is the payer of last resort, meaning that we use other allowable
sources of revenue before using tax dollars for operations. The tax dollar shown here is meant
to present a visual image of where your money goes after all other allowable and available
revenue sources are spent. We grouped related activities to make it easier for readers to
understand the various services the County provides.
Ms. Friese said the first category is Crime, Courts, and Corrections which is comprised
of court administration, MDJ offices, court-related elected officials, jail operations, drug task
force, District Attorney and public defender offices, adult and juvenile probation, and General
Fund transfers to court-related operations outside the General Fund. This category makes up
the largest share of GF expenses and requires the most tax dollars to operate. For every tax
dollar collected, 79¢ goes to support the 3-Cs. For 2023, it was 78¢. She continued that the
Community and Taxpayer Services is the next largest category, requiring 7¢ of a General Fund
tax dollar in 2024. This category is made up of tax services (assessment and claims), GIS,
planning, archives, voter registration and elections, and support to cultural and recreational
Continued on page 4
programs and community and economic development organizations. Financial and
insurance costs, and administrative services charged back to the General Fund. These
services, like in 2023, cost 6¢ of each tax dollar for 2024. Emergency Services use 3¢ of each
tax dollar in 2024, no change from 2023. This category represents the operation of the Cou
emergency management agency and General Fund support to the 911 center and hazmat. The
General Fund contributes to human service programs that provide support to individuals in the
community, including aging, drug and alcohol, mental health, intellectual and developmental
these operations are primarily funded with federal and state dollars, the General Fund still
contributes 4¢ of each tax dollar to supporting human service programs in 2024. This is up from
primarily property management services to some of the General Fund County buildings.
Ms. Beckner continued that by taking a look at the overall Countywide budget, for ALL
FUNDS AND SERVICES, here are a few noteworthy items: as pointed out previously, the 2024
budget reflects no property tax increase. The millage rate of 29.1 remains unchanged. The 29.1
mill rate is made up of 25 mills for general purposes and 4.1 mills for debt service. General
purpose millage is unchanged since 2016, and debt service was last increased in 2019 by 1.5
mills to fund the Court Facility Improvement Project; total revenue is relatively breakeven,
showing a slight decrease from $164.7 million to $164.3 million, although tax rates remain the
same, tax revenues are budgeted to increase due to an increase in the tax base, the 2024
budget includes $890,000 more interest income than the 2023 revised budget. This is due to
earning higher interest rates on our cash balances, intergovernmental revenues are decreased
includes $5 million for an anticipated bond issue to finish the Court Facility Improvement Project;
total expenditures for All Operations and All Services equal $171.2 million, an increase of $7.5
million from total expenditures of $163.7 million for 2023. Funding is provided to continue
payments to grantees under the IMPACT! grants, as well as to expand spending under some
human service programs that received additional funding. Included in All Funds and All
Operations is $12.7 million for capital expenditures to continue renovations at the Courthouse
Annex as part of the Court Facility Improvement Project, for bridge construction projects, an
updated jail security and camera system, and other necessary equipment replacements. This is
an increase of over $2.5 million from 2023.
Ms. Beckner said in general the proposed 2024 budget has no tax increase, this budget
includes funding to continue progress on the Court Facility Improvement Project, the budget
was built maximizing all revenue sources and holding the line on operating costs, but providing
for operations that require additional funding; the budget allows for a pay increase to
employees, and it provides for personnel and capital expansion as necessary.
Ms. Beckner opened the floor for comments or questions. Commissioner Flannery
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job of explaining this, but the public and the local media tend to look at certain aspects of our
budget and the dollar bill that breaks down how taxpayer funds are dispersed throughout the
and courts. In essence people forget that we are dealing with a $58 million general fund budget
from our taxpayers - but our total budget is roughly $170-180 million - which is a third of our
budget. There is a misconception out there in the community that all of our money is going
towards crime and courts when in essence we receive a lot of funding from the state and federal
gove
et. Chairman Keller said
and wages are we budgeting for 2024? Ms. Gray responded that they put in 4.5%. Chairman
Continued on page 5
Keller asked if, in terms of healthcare premium renewals, we have budgeted an increase for
health insurance costs. Ms. Gray responded that there is no increase in health insurance costs.
The HR team was also able to negotiate a lower deductible than in recent years at the same
price. Chairman Keller said there has been no change in benefits provided because of our
history and negotiating tactics, talents, expertise and performance. He st
involved in that. He asked when the Board decided to allocate some ARPA dollars for
Agricultural Land Preservation the intent was to do two consecutive years at the increased
commitment. He asked if this year is our second year. Ms. Beckner responded yes, that was in
2022 and 2023 so allocation in 2024 budget is where we were funding prior to the additional
ARPA money. Chairman Keller thi
and no reduction in services either in quality or quantity and the fact that we can finish the year
in 2024 if all goes according to plan with 60-90 days of operating reserves is great as well. The
budget will be placed on the counter and the website for public review and comment and there
are many opportunities for comments in the next few weeks. The budget will come back to the
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Board for final consideration and approval in twenty days and is scheduled for December 13 at
the 11:00 a.m. meeting.
The Board recessed and will reconvene at 2:00 p.m. for final approval of the items that
were reviewed.
The Board reconvened at 2:00 p.m.
There was no public comment.
Alexis Pennings, Risk Manager, was present to provide more details on the stair chairs.
She explained that these chairs will be used in our two story buildings and when there is an
emergency the elevators cannot be used. Anyone that cannot use the stairs can use these
chairs with help from other people. She provided a video on what the chair looks like. Carrie
said that the application is to the local share grant that does not require a match and includes
2% administration costs.
The Board reviewed Aging Office matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded
by David S. Keller; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the terms
and conditions from WKU Launch Pad, Inc. for a Bingocize license for Franklin County, nine
online leader certification trainings, and two Bingocize in a Box - Fall Prevention kits for a total
amount of $2,510.00. Seniors will use this program to exercise in hopes of preventing falls.
The Board reviewed Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery,
seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute
Change Order #011 from Lobar, Inc. for the Franklin County Courthouse Annex Renovation
Project general construction for repurpose of Steel Dunnage for an increased amount of
$5,530.19.
The Board reviewed additional Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by John T.
Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to
execute Change Order #012 from Lobar, Inc. for the Franklin County Courthouse Annex
Renovation Project general construction for tile revisions for an increased amount of $4,218.72.
The Board reviewed Community Connections matters. On a motion by John T.
Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the lease agreement between
the County of Franklin and Beverly Court, LLC for a total lease amount of $9,750.00 for the
HUD Permanent Supportive Housing Lease Program (Supportive Housing Program SHP I/II)
that covers the total rent plus any landlord covered utilities for participants for the period of
November 1, 2023 through November 1, 2024. The County holds the Lease with the landlord
Continued on page 6
and the participant subleases from the County. Program participants are responsible for any
utilities not included in the lease rent, up to 30% of their adjusted gross income. Participants are
linked with Supportive Services and case management to assist them with maintaining
permanent stable housing.
The Board reviewed additional Community Connections matters. On a motion by John
T. Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the amendment No. 1 to the
Lease agreement between the County of Franklin and Beverly Court, LLC signed on November
1, 2023 to correct the amount listed on page 1, paragraph 4 to be Seven Hundred Fifty
($750.00) and a correction to the amount listed on page 1, paragraph 5 to be Seven Hundred
Twenty-Five ($725.00). All other contract details will remain the same.
The Board reviewed Fiscal matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by
David S. Keller; unanimously approved the Human Services Block Grant, Fiscal Year 2021-
2022 Income and Expenditure Report, Revision #1 to the original report submission to be filed
with the Department of Human Services, Bureau of Financial Operations. A revision was
required to re-allocate PATH carry-over dollars between Franklin and Fulton counties. There is
no change to the overall report or county share. A total of $6,133,954 was expended during FY
21-22, and the total required match was $165,000 (2.7%).
The Board reviewed Grants/CJAB matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded
by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the agreement between the County of Franklin and
with substance use/co-occurring disorders, upon request of the county as part of the county's'
Good Wolf Treatment Court services at a cost not to exceed $3,500.00 for the period of October
1, 2023 through September 30, 2024. Chambers' Apothecary shall be in compliance with
Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) licensing regulations for the services that
the cou
The Board reviewed Grants matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by
David S. Keller; unanimously approved the application to the Department of Community and
Economic Development requesting a Local Share Grant in the amount of $43,034.53 for the
Franklin County Community Connections to purchase a vehicle to transport belongings or
purchases and participants of the HUD Supportive Housing Programs and Reentry Programs.
This amount also includes a 2% administrative fee for the Grantee's administration of the grant.
The Board reviewed additional Grants matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery,
seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the application to the Department of
Community and Economic Development requesting a Local Share Grant in the amount of
$50,998.98 for the Marion Athletic Association which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit located in Franklin
County that provides recreational baseball and softball to local children. This request is to
purchase a Ventrac tractor with the attachments needed to continue to offer quality fields
available to the children in the community. This amount also includes a 2% administrative fee
for the Grantee's administration of the grant.
The Board reviewed additional Grants matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery,
seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the application to the Department of
Community and Economic Development requesting a Local Share Grant in the amount of
$90,148.82 for Franklin County Risk Management to purchase 15 Stair Chairs and needed
accessories for installation in all County owned 2-story buildings. This amount also includes a
2% administrative fee for the Grantee's administration of the grant.
The Board reviewed additional Grants matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery,
seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the application to the Department of
Community and Economic Development requesting a Local Share Grant in the amount of
$980,003.94 for Fannett-Metal Fire and Ambulance Company to purchase a replacement fire
engine. This amount also includes a 2% administrative fee for the Grantee's administration of
the grant.
Continued on page 7
The Board reviewed additional Grants matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery,
seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the application to the Department of
Community and Economic Development requesting a Local Share Grant in the amount of
$735,000.00 for Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County, Inc. to purchase 25acres of land.
This amount also includes a 2% administrative fee for the Grantee's administration of the grant.
The Board reviewed additional Grants matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery,
seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the amendment No. 1 to the agreement
dated October 1, 2022 between the County of Franklin and BOPIC to provide translation
the contract date through September 30, 2024 with an increased amount of $1,000.00 for a total
encumbrance of $2,500.00. All other terms and conditions of the original agreement will remain
in full force and effect.
The Board reviewed additional Grants/CJAB matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery,
seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the Project Modification Request to PA
Commission on Crime & Delinquency (PCCD) to request a 6-month extension through
6/30/2024 at no-cost of Grant 36179 in order to fully expend the funding. Funds are being used
to implement Critical Incident Team (CIT) Support Training for 911 and qualifying related wages
and benefits for mental health co-responder services.
The Board reviewed Information Technology Services matters. On a motion by John T.
Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the quote from DLT Solutions
solution for servers in the County at a cost of $6,447.94 for the period of December 31, 2023
through December 31, 2024.
The Board reviewed Jail matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by David
S. Keller; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the contract between
the County of Franklin and Water Treatment By Design, LLC to provide a water quality
assurance program for the hot water closed loop and chilled water closed loop at a cost of
$10,300.00. This service will include: quarterly testing on all loops, filter inspections and
replacements, annual corrosion coupon analysis, routine inventory and inspection with a report
and monitors any corrosive activity on all loops. This service agreement permits the system to
run at its most efficient and effective flow, which will extend the life and operations for which it
was designed. The company is on the Co-Stars state contract price listing.
The Board reviewed additional Jail matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded
by David S. Keller; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the
application to CCAP/PCORP Loss Prevention Grant Program requesting a grant in the amount
of $7,775.00 for purchase of the G.L.O.V.E. from Clear View Asset Protection, LLC. to promote
the physical safety and security of the facility, for both employees and inmates. The purpose of
the G.L.O.V.E is not to discourage employees from using force when it is necessary, but to
assist them in acting and utilizing the least amount of force when confronted with a situation
requiring the use of force.
The Board reviewed Risk Management matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery,
seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute
the Standard Commercial Fire Alarm Monitoring Agreement between the County of Franklin and
Eastern Time to provide commercial fire alarm monitoring at the Administration Building at a
cost of $5,562.00 for the period of January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024.
In accordance with PA Act notifications, TeamAg, Inc. notified the County of a
Penn
Hillside Farm for a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) on property located in St.
Thomas Township.
Continued on page 8
In accordance with PA Act notifications,TeamAg, Inc. notified the County of a
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection NPDES permit being applied by L & W
Farms, LLC for a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) on property located in Antrim
Township.
In accordance with PA Act notifications, DShenk Consulting notified the County of a
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection NPDES permit being applied by Clinton
Burkholder for a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) on property located in Greene
Township.
In accordance with PA Act notifications, Rosetree Consulting notified the County of a
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection NPDES permit being applied by Eldwin
Martin (Greytone Pork) for a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) on property located
in Warren Township.
In accordance with PA Act notifications, Brookview Ag Consulting notified the County of
a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection NPDES permit being applied by Drew
Johnson Farm for a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) on property located in
Fannett Township.
In accordance with PA Act notifications, Jacob Engineering Group notified the County of
a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection NPDES permit being applied by the
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and Kokosing Construction Company for construction
activities located in Fannett, Lurgan and Metal Townships.
The Board conducted a bid opening for Bridge 26 & Bridge 63 Replacement Projects.
There were six bids submitted electronically through Penn Bid. The following bidders submitted
a bid: DOLI Construction Corp. bid a total base price of $3,691,229.50; Lobar Site Development
Corporation bid a total base price of $2,807,378.00; JVI Group Inc. bid a total base price of
$2,614,240.00; George S. Hahn and Son, Inc. bid a total base price of $2,539,045.54; JFS Inc.
bid a total base price of $2,345,496.33; Wen-Brooke Contracting Inc. bid a total base price of
$2,194,474.30. Ms. Gray said that due diligence needs to be performed. Dan Long from HRG
said that the bid documents will be due in three days and by the end of next week they will have
their recommendations. Ms. Gray said that the original bid bonds are due by next Tuesday so
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we would miss Wednesday, November 29to make the recommendations so it would have to
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be awarded the following week on December 6. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded
by David S. Keller; unanimously approved will award or reject the bids on Wednesday,
December 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.
Chairman Keller wanted to wish everyone a healthy, happy and safe holiday weekend.
Commissioner Flannery wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. The meeting was adjourned
at 2:21 p.m. with a motion by John T. Flannery; seconded by David S. Keller.
Carrie E. Gray
County Administrator/Chief Clerk
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
____________________________________
David S. Keller, Chairman
____________________________________
John T. Flannery
November 22, 2023
PROPOSEDBUDGET
2024
General Fund
How is a tax dollar spent?
County Operations