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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-03-06 Commissioner Minutes TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012 The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 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, and the Pledge of Allegiance proceeded with the business of the day. Chairman Keller requested to include general discussion on the agenda following the public hearing. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to adopt the amended agenda. Kim Wertz provided public comment and asked if there was an update on the Human Services budget and the MH/ID nonprofit project. Ms. Wertz also wanted to extend an open invitation to the Board to attend the April Community Support Program (CSP) meeting held the fourth Monday of the month at the Administration Annex. Chairman Keller responded there will be an update on the nonprofit project during general discussion. The minutes of February 28, 2012 and March 1, 2012 meetings were read. These will be approved Thursday, March 8, 2012. The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. The items will be approved Thursday, March 8, 2012. The Board reviewed appointments to the Franklin County Blighted Review Committee. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to appoint Robert Ziobrowski and John Benhart for a term to expire on December 31, 2013, Gregory Thompson and Pam Anderson for a term to expire on December 31, 2014; Paul Schemel and Paul Gunder for a term to expire on December 31, 2015. Chairman Keller requested general discussion to recap the essence of what transpired at the Mental Health Advisory meeting last week in Fulton County. The Advisory Board had formed a task force to look at transforming to a non-profit and they identified three themes: Timelines to make transition, efficiencies to be gained and whether the transition would have a negative impact to the consumers. The Advisory Board voted to recommend that the Franklin and Fulton County Commissioners review their input and respond to the Advisory Board in a timely fashion. Chairman Keller said the Board of Commissioners wants to express gratitude to the Advisory Board and the Task Force for putting together everything quickly as all these folks are volunteers and they came up with a well written, concise and clear summary of the public meetings. Chairman Keller’s recommendation is to invite the Chairman of the Advisory Board and Chairman of the Task Force here in a public meeting. The Board will take the information under advisement on how best to proceed. John Hart said up to this time staff has been gathering general information, and when the Task Force findings are presented staff efforts and information will concentrate on these findings. The Board needs to deliberate, decide and give staff direction. Chairman Keller said this would be a presentation of the Board and would expect to have some concerned citizens in attendance. This would be a summary of what already transpired but if find that would have a larger gathering could find a larger room but for now this venue would be sufficient. Commissioner Ziobrowski suggested to have a backup room just in case. Commissioner Thomas asked if the committee had any recommendations or answers to questions asked. John Hart said no, that was not part of the charge to the Task Force. Continued on page 2 They were to receive public input and develop findings. Fulton County will also be receiving this information. Mr. Hart suggested conducting a joint venture presentation and explore the possibility of doing something so both Boards of Commissioners could participate at the same time. Commissioner Thomas said they already know what the questions are but would hope that proceeding to get a response to the questions. Chairman Keller said the Board needs to hear recommendations from the Advisory Board and should be presented publicly for all three to hear at the same time. Once they hear the information the Board will talk amongst themselves and decide how best to proceed. Both Counties need to consider the recommendations and get back to the Advisory Board in a timely manner. Commissioner Ziobrowski said he is concerned that input received through the Advisory Board is not the extent of the input so more consumers may be present and he is concerned about venue. He doesn’t want to just narrow our focus to the Advisory Board. Chairman Keller said the Board is approving for the Advisory Board to present and have comments and questions at that time. Chairman Keller wanted to answer the budget question previously asked during public comment and said that the County Commissioners Association of PA (CCAP) has responded to the governor’s proposal regarding Human Services programs, and in essence the response was that a 20% cut is not acceptable and current funding levels should be maintained, not just for Mental Health but across the board for Mental Health line items. The association did request more information on block granting as long as the reporting requirements and other fiscal requirements don’t add a lot of red tape as this will take money away from services. Theme of CCAP is to give Counties more flexibility to provide folks the services. He said things are moving forward and legislators will have their say. Commissioner Ziobrowski said the metaphor he will use is they are serving family style but this does not produce more food, and yes there will be efficiencies by doing family style, but what the State is doing is not good for the people of PA. Commissioner Thomas said what the State is proposing is to collapse services but need to be clear on consolidation of funding resources. The Governor is asking counties to provide more with less. Chairman Keller said if cuts are made as proposed a lot of folks in need of services will be cut, and they will become a burden through the judicial system as they could end up in jail or be a burden to the community. Point was very well made and must be stressed continually that we need adequate funding for Human Service programs. Paul Cullinane, Economic Development Specialist with the Borough of Chambersburg was present to conduct a public hearing on the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Program (LERTA). The Board signed a resolution to begin the LERTA program in 2007. He is requesting to extend the program from April 10, 2012 through April 9, 2015. LERTA was established in 1977 and allows three taxing bodies to abate taxable improvements of commercial properties. The County Tax Assessor is the key player in the process as he determines property value, reassessment takes place and then full abatement is started. This program allows property owner two years to complete the work. Mr. Cullinane said there are public hearings also being held at the Borough of Chambersburg and the Chambersburg Area School District as this program works best when all three taxing bodies participate. There is a provision in the resolution that the property owner cannot appeal their taxes under the LERTA program. Commissioner Ziobrowski said the County is not planning to have a reassessment but what happens if the county reassesses all properties? Mr. Cullinane responded that his assumption is that LERTA would continue for the property owner and would not pay the difference until the end of the LERTA period but to be sure that would be a question for the solicitor if that were to happen. Mr. Cullinane provided information on properties that have participated in the program since 2007. He said owners who participated in this program have saved money and it adds value to the community. Continued on page 3 The Chairman opened the floor for public comment. Jay Lightfoot asked if this initially was a two year program and Mr. Cullinane responded it has always been a three year program. Initially the property owners had one year to complete the work but was then extended to two years. He said once the project is completed the reassessment takes place. Ken Jones asked if they finish the work in six months then it would start at that point so would be advantageous to extend out the two years. Commissioner Thomas responded that improvement does not get taxable until two years after completion. Mr. Cullinane said once the work is completed the Borough notifies the County that it’s completed and the reassessment gets done and then the abatement begins. Sheri Morgan said she is not against development but she is aware of every budget that has a balance sheet with expenditures and revenues. She doesn’t see how we can allow businesses to get huge tax breaks. She asked at what point do we stop giving incentives away. Mr. Cullinane responded that they want the property owner to fix up the building and there is no cost to the municipality other than willingness to do without the taxes for a short period of time as there will be more dollars available down the road. Commissioner Thomas said this is in an area that is economically challenged and this town needs to do everything it can get to get people downtown. Commissioner Ziobrowski noted that commercial and industrial taxpayers pay more in taxes than they receive in services. Supporting business growth is good for education and the public welfare. Ms. Morgan said she is not sure why they didn’t build a new courthouse when Judge Herman says the building is not safe. She is not against raising taxes but there needs to be a balance. th The Board will approve the LERTA resolution before April 10. Commissioner Thomas said when the resolution is ready for approval he is willing to approve it. Chairman Keller said the Board is in favor of moving forward with getting a resolution prepared. The meeting was adjourned at 11:18 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas. FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS