CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – Franklin County commissioners honored a county employee Wednesday for her work helping older residents and their families, while also hearing how a new hiring system has made it easier for people to apply for county jobs.
Dakota Hall, who works for the Franklin County Area Agency on Aging, received the October Employee of the Month award. She manages the county’s Caregiver Support Program, which helps families caring for older relatives.
When Hall began working with the program, it served 37 people. That number has since grown to nearly 90, increasing the number of families she helps with applications, paperwork and access to services.
Hall joined the county in March 2023. She received four of the 10 nominations submitted for the monthly award.
Her co-workers praised her willingness to help others, her attention to detail and her ability to handle a growing workload. A recent review also recognized the accuracy and organization of her records.
Accepting the award, Hall thanked her supervisors and colleagues and spoke about what the work means to her.
“I try my best not to just show up every day but also to give my best to my consumers, truly enjoying helping the aging population, and always being willing to learn and grow,” she said.
“This recognition means a lot to me and encourages me to continue to work hard and to bring great services to our community.”
Commissioner Robert Ziobrowski, recalling his own experience caring for his late wife, offered a personal tribute to Hall’s work.
“I too was a caregiver when my late wife was dying of cancer, and I can tell you somebody like you to be helping is a godsend,” Ziobrowski said. “Thank you for all you do.”
Applying for county jobs gets easier
Franklin County has received more than 6,200 job applications since introducing a new online hiring system in May 2024, Human Resources Director Tiffany Boyer told commissioners.
More than 3,300 people have used the system to apply for over 1,000 job openings through September 2026. The county has hired more than 400 employees during that period.
Boyer said applicants can now fill out their information once and use it to apply for several county jobs, rather than completing a new application each time.
The system also allows county employees to arrange interviews, review applications and complete hiring paperwork electronically.
Previously, much of that work was handled on paper, requiring employees to keep track of applications and records manually.
County refinances older debt
Commissioners approved a $25.78 million budget adjustment Wednesday after refinancing debt the county took on in 2018 to pay for improvements to county buildings.
The county borrowed money at new rates to pay off part of the older debt. Because the refinancing was not included in this year’s original budget, commissioners had to formally record the money received and the amount used to repay the earlier bonds.
Chief Financial Officer Teresa Beckner said the new borrowing carries a net yield of 2.97%.
The budget adjustment does not represent $25.78 million in new spending on county programs.
Senior care facilities to be improved
Commissioners also approved a financing arrangement that will help a nonprofit senior care organization purchase and improve retirement and care facilities, including properties in Franklin County.
Concordia, which acquired SpiriTrust properties earlier this year, plans improvements such as roof repairs, heating and cooling upgrades, paving and renovations to patient rooms.
The money will be borrowed through a separate authority, not Franklin County. Commissioners had to approve the arrangement because some of the money will be spent at facilities within the county.
County taxpayers will not be responsible for repaying the loans.
Other county business
Commissioners approved $6,000 from opioid settlement funds to support the Good Wolf Treatment Court, which helps people struggling with substance use disorders receive treatment and rebuild their lives.
The county also applied for an $889,000 federal grant to continue and expand the program, including help with treatment, transportation and housing.
Commissioners approved a $191,000 grant for mosquito and tick control in 2027. The money will support monitoring, public education and efforts to reduce the spread of diseases carried by mosquitoes and ticks, with no county matching funds required.
Finally, Commissioner Robert Ziobrowski thanked county election workers and staff for their efforts during Tuesday’s election, particularly County Administrator Carrie Gray.
