CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Franklin County commissioners agreed to set aside $2 million for supplemental funding in the county’s developing 2027 budget, reducing the amount from $2.5 million last year despite projections showing the county’s financial reserves remain healthy.
The decision was among several matters considered by the commissioners at its last meeting, which also included an unexpected change in election equipment delivery arrangements, public opposition to property reassessment, and a report on complaints from residents of long-term care facilities.
Budget funding target
Fiscal Director Janelle Friese told commissioners the county expects to finish 2026 with approximately $1.7 million added to its reserves. The preliminary 2027 budget would use about $1.4 million in reserves, leaving a projected general fund balance of $15.1 million.
Friese said that balance exceeds the county’s target of maintaining enough reserves to cover 60 to 90 days of operations. She asked commissioners to establish a supplemental funding amount so staff could continue developing the budget.
Commissioners agreed on $2 million, a reduction of $500,000 from the previous year’s allocation.
“I think we can lower that down to $2 million this year,” Chairman Dean Horstsaid, citing the county’s financial position and efforts to control spending.
The amount provides guidance for budget preparation and does not constitute final adoption of the 2027 budget.
Election equipment delivery plans
Franklin County will handle delivery of its election equipment using county employees and rented vehicles after a contractor selected for the work declined to sign its agreement.
Procurement Director Robin Harmon and Elections Director Susan Christophe told commissioners the county had approved the contract award approximately two weeks earlier. However, the company subsequently refused to execute the agreement because of language concerning legal liability.
Officials said county property management staff have developed an alternative plan using rented vehicles, department employees and volunteers from other county offices.
Commissioners accepted the arrangement without requiring another formal vote. The deliveries are needed for the Nov. 3 general election.
County officials said the new arrangement could save money, and commissioners expressed interest in considering it for future elections if it operates successfully.
The county’s previous equipment delivery contractor had also ceased providing the service, prompting the recent procurement process.
Reassessment concerns
Property reassessment drew criticism from two speakers during public comment, including a former school board member who warned that reassessment could increase expenses for both taxpayers and county government.
Stanley Helman, a Guilford Township resident who said he served 20 years on the Chambersburg school board, urged commissioners not to proceed with reassessment. He said discussions with school board members from other Pennsylvania counties had raised concerns about a surge in assessment appeals and accompanying legal expenses.
Helman also warned that owners of modest homes near newer, more expensive developments could face higher assessments despite making no improvements to their properties.
He questioned whether residents already struggling with property taxes could afford potential increases.
Valerie Jordan of Fayetteville raised separate concerns about property tax appeals, asking commissioners to make successful appeals involving public buildings and major properties more visible on county meeting agendas.
She cited the former Chambersburg Mall’s assessment reduction as an example of a decision that can affect local tax revenues.
Commissioners took no action on reassessment during the meeting.
Long-term care complaints
Franklin County Ombudsman Tressia Day told commissioners her office has handled 311 cases concerning long-term care since October 2025, with complaints ranging from inadequate care and involuntary discharges to food and living conditions.
“Moving into long-term care facilities does not mean giving up your rights,” Day said during a presentation marking Residents’ Rights Month.
The county has approximately 1,906 long-term care beds, and ombudsman volunteers have spent 404 hours visiting facilities and investigating complaints. Day appealed for more volunteers, explaining that regular visits help residents overcome their fear of speaking out about problems with their care.
County employees raise United Way funds
Franklin County employees contributed $7,224 to the United Way of Franklin County during the county’s annual fundraising campaign, exceeding the $7,000 goal.
Human Resources representative Carrie Kenny said 139 employees from 26 departments participated. The campaign included $6,207 in pledges, $635 from a casual dress fundraiser, $212 from candy grams and $170 from virtual bingo.
United Way representatives thanked county employees for their contributions and continued participation in community programs, including school supply collections and winter assistance efforts.
“Commissioners also approved an updated job description for longtime Chief Registrar Jennie Aines, who will retire at the end of the year. Officials noted that the position’s description was so outdated that its previous version had been typewritten.”
