CHAMBERSBURG – From routine spending authorizations to a potential countywide response to data center development, Franklin County commissioners covered a range of business at their Jan. 21 meeting, making appointments to the redevelopment authority and approving over $300,000 in project spending.
Scott Bert was reappointed to the Franklin County Redevelopment Authority to serve a five-year term, and Nathan Shoemaker was appointed for one year to finish the unexpired term of Michael Hicks.
The award for the October 2025 Employee of the Month was presented to Haleigh Dunkle from the department of Children and Youth Services.
Commission Chair Dean Horst addressed concerns about building data centers often appearing in the news. He noted that while townships determine how land is used, some lack zoning regulations. In order to protect the right to determine where data centers may be built, he requested that county staff members explore amending the Subdivision and Land Use Ordinance or creating a model ordinance to support municipalities in determining how their land is used.
Commissioners approved payments for $203,595 for the courthouse annex sewer project to remedy water infiltration and $107,700 to HRG for engineering for bridge deck rehabilitation on Sylvan Drive over Little Cove Creek in Warren Township.
The commission will next meet on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 10 a.m. at the Franklin County Administration Building, 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg.. Meetings can also be viewed on YouTube.
