CHAMBERSBURG – Franklin County Commissioners are considering a $154.2 million budget for the 2026 fiscal year. The total property tax millage rate remains unchanged at 29.1 mills and consists of general operating millage of 25.0 and debt service millage of 4.1. This marks Franklin County’s eighth-straight year without a tax increase.
However, if assessed valuations of property have gone up, the total tax bill will climb.
Franklin County’s 2026 budget reflects funding to accomplish the following priorities:
- Upholding public safety and security;
- Maintaining services that support Franklin County residents by matching state and federal funds for human service programs, including those for children, seniors, individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities and veterans, as well as treatment for mental health and substance use;
- Streamlining government operations and delivery of services through the use of, and improvements to, technology;
- Providing competitive pay and benefits for county employees;
- And ensuring continuity of operations as well as the resources that staff need to perform their jobs
The 2026 budget marks a significant milestone as the county transitions to a target-based budgeting methodology, designed to align resources more directly with community priorities and outcomes while ensuring that every dollar is purposefully allocated to where it can have the greatest impact.
“Moving to a target-based budget model really provides a clearer picture of the county’s financial position. It is a change in mindset that provides departments with a proactive approach to taking collective responsibility for spending,” said Commission Chair Dean Horst. “The 2026 budget reflects a more conscious, shared responsibility and a holistic approach to being responsible financial stewards of taxpayers’ money.”
While the county’s tax revenue remains relatively flat, the proposed all-services expense budget is $8 million less than in 2025, which can be attributed to a decrease in capital project funding. Additionally, allocations for community support and public works programs have been scaled back as post-pandemic support funding is phased out.
The proposed budget calls for the county to use $4 million in general fund reserves in 2026 to balance the budget without raising property taxes.
“Like many local governments, we face ongoing fiscal challenges. Rising costs, inflation and increased demand for services continue to outpace revenue growth,” said Franklin County Chief Financial Officer Teresa Beckner. “Our reserve balances, critical to financial stability, have been drawn down in recent years to preserve vital programs without burdening taxpayers. Switching to a target-based budget model for 2026 enables us to make more intentional, data-informed decisions that balance immediate needs with long-term sustainability.”
Franklin County Commissioner John Flannery noted, “Our 2026 budget prioritizes the safety and welfare of our residents, including some of our most vulnerable. It also supports our priorities of public safety and security at the Franklin County Jail and reflects our commitment to offering a competitive compensation package to current and future employees so we can continue providing the best possible services to Franklin County residents.”
Included in the budget is a $745,000 investment in agricultural land preservation. Those funds, leveraged with state funding, will allow Franklin County to protect over 372 acres of valuable farmland from future non-agricultural development. Since 1990 the county and the state have combined to invest more than $45 million in farmland conservation efforts. To date, Franklin County has preserved more than 20,000 acres of farmland and ranks 10th among Pennsylvania counties for total acres preserved.
“This proposed budget supports specific goals and policy objectives identified in the county’s 10-year comprehensive plan, such as land use, historic preservation, open space and greenways development, housing and transportation,” said Franklin County Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski.
“The county will also continue its exploration of the ever-changing digital frontier to find ways to achieve efficiencies across departments both in manpower and taxpayer dollars. As commissioners, it’s our responsibility to ensure Franklin County continues to be a prime place to live, work and recreate, and the 2026 budget supports those efforts.”
The 2026 proposed budget is available online at https://bit.ly/FC2026Budget as well as at the commissioners’ office at 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg, until 10 a.m. Dec. 10 when final adoption of the budget is anticipated.
