CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Franklin County officials are projecting $56.8 million in recurring General Fund revenue for 2027, an increase of about $700,000 over this year’s budget as commissioners begin work on a spending plan that currently assumes no increase in property tax rates.
The forecast represents growth of about 1.2 percent over 2026, with property taxes expected to remain by far the county’s largest source of General Fund revenue. Fiscal Director Janelle Friese and Chief Financial Officer Teresa Beckner presented the first public update on the county’s 2027 budget process Thursday.
Property taxes are projected to generate $42.1 million, accounting for about 74 percent of General Fund revenue. The county also expects $8.2 million from charges for services, $1.7 million from recurring state and federal sources, and $4.7 million from interest and other revenue.
The county expects growth in its property tax base from new construction to bring in about $290,000 more next year without increasing the tax rate. Charges for services are projected to add another $140,000, state and federal revenue about $80,000 and interest and other revenue about $150,000.
The relatively modest increase became a point of discussion after residents questioned how county revenues could remain nearly flat amid continued residential and commercial construction.
Commissioner Robert Ziobrowski said the county’s assessed property base grows by roughly 1 percent annually, but its population and the demand for county services grow along with it.
“In the sense, it’s really a wash,” Ziobrowski said. “Our expenses sometimes go up more than 1 percent, but the new construction does not necessarily in and of itself increase our assets significantly because we also have commensurate expenses.”
The county is continuing the target-based budgeting system introduced for the 2026 budget. Under that approach, officials first determine how much recurring revenue is expected, then give departments spending targets designed to maintain core services within the available money.
Once fixed costs and basic departmental needs are accounted for, commissioners can determine how much money remains for new programs, expanded services or other supplemental requests. The next public budget presentation is expected to compare the $56.8 million revenue forecast against those costs and departmental targets.
During public comment, Fayetteville residents Valerie and John Jordan separately urged commissioners to consider spending more on county employees and services rather than making holding the tax rate steady the overriding budget objective.
Valerie Jordan specifically pointed to correctional officers seeking higher compensation and called on the county to improve employee salaries. She also urged commissioners to devote more attention to homelessness, saying she has seen an increasing number of homeless residents, including in Waynesboro.
John Jordan went further, urging commissioners to consider a small annual property tax increase rather than allowing expenses to accumulate until a larger increase becomes necessary.
“I’d like you guys to consider raising the taxes a little bit, not a lot, just a little bit to help you make your budget run smoother and give the people in the county more things that we need,” Jordan said.
Bond refinancing moves forward
Commissioners also took the next steps toward refinancing a portion of the county’s 2018 bonds, an effort financial advisers say could save taxpayers several hundred thousand dollars in interest costs.
John Fry, a director with PFM Financial Advisors, said the county plans to replace higher-interest debt with lower-interest debt if market conditions remain favorable. The bonds are expected to be priced within about a month, followed by settlement approximately a month later.
Commissioners approved a $3,500 engagement with PFM to structure an escrow account and invest the proceeds temporarily in U.S. Treasury securities. Fry estimated those investments will generate approximately $100,000 in interest during the roughly two-month period before the old bonds can be paid off.
The board also approved an ordinance authorizing the finance team to proceed with the refinancing when interest rates and other market conditions warrant. The county has an AA credit rating from S&P and was scheduled for a rating call Thursday afternoon.
The refinancing does not add new borrowing or extend the county’s existing repayment schedule.
“It does not extend the time of the bond and it does save us money,” Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst said before the unanimous vote.
County seeks $241,376 for homelessness
Commissioners approved an application for $241,376 through Pennsylvania’s Emergency Solutions Grant program to support emergency shelter operations, homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing in Franklin County.
South Central Community Action Programs and Waynesboro Community and Human Services would receive the funding, with each organization providing the required dollar-for-dollar match. The grant also supports the Homeless Management Information System used to track services.
Planning Director Quenton Clapper said the county’s needs exceed the amount being requested and cautioned that the final state award could be lower.
The money could help cover operating costs at SCCAP’s Chambersburg shelter, assist residents facing eviction after receiving notice from a landlord and help people who are homeless or living in shelters secure permanent housing and receive case management.
Because of the required local match, an award near the full requested amount would result in more than $480,000 being directed toward the services.
“I think it’s important for the public to realize that we’re getting $241,000, but we’re actually gonna spend over $480,000 in the community,” Horst said.
