CHAMBERSBURG – Franklin County officials have provided a detailed update on jail operations following recent public concerns about safety, staffing and pay at the Franklin County Jail.
The discussion, led by County Administrator Carrie Gray, Warden Heather Franzoni and Human Resources Director Tiffany Bloyer, outlined safety data, staffing levels and the county’s most recent offer to correctional officers currently in contract negotiations.
Safety conditions show stability
Franzoni told commissioners that data from jail reports shows no significant increase in reportable incidents during the past three years. The jail has had no disturbances or hostage situations during that period.
When compared with six peer counties of similar inmate populations, Franklin County reported lower rates of violence than several, including two that recorded four times as many incidents. Franzoni said a recent staff assistance drill demonstrated quick response times, with help arriving in just 13 seconds from across the building.
“There are always risks in a correctional environment,” Gray said, “but the data helps us assess whether those risks are increasing, and they are not.”
Franzoni credited Deputy Warden Jeffrey Scott and the facility’s security team for identifying potential threats and taking immediate action to protect staff and inmates. “It’s a jail. There are going to be incidents,” she said. “But I will always stand strong in supporting our staff for the job they do.”
Compensation and recruitment
Bloyer said the number of workers’ compensation claims is down by half from last year, from 18 in 2024 to nine so far this year. She also addressed concerns about pay, noting that Franklin County’s starting wage of $21.93 an hour is higher than Adams County’s and competitive with Cumberland County. After academy completion, that rate rises to $22.43, with additional pay for second- and third-shifts.
Commissioner Dave Flannery calculated that an officer averaging $25 an hour with 10 hours of overtime a week could earn about $70,000 annually. Officers receive 23 to 24 days of paid time off within their first five years of service.
Bloyer said recruitment efforts have expanded beyond social media. “We’re doing everything short of going door to door,” she said. “We’re attending job fairs, running radio ads and starting a new public service program at CareerTech in January.”
Contract negotiations and costs
Gray outlined the county’s latest proposal to the union, which includes a new Pitman schedule, a retention incentive of up to $5,000 paid incrementally, back pay adjustments and no mandatory overtime on 12-hour shifts except during emergencies. The agreement also maintains a 2.5 percent annual pay increase.
Franzoni emphasized that the proposed schedule changes were designed with staff well-being in mind. “We know how important a work-life balance is to our employees,” she said.
“We’ve proposed transitioning to a Pitman fixed schedule, which we believe to be the best solution to achieve that balance and improve the overall well-being of our staff. Until we come to a resolution with AFSCME, jail administration will continue to identify temporary solutions to help alleviate the strain on the current staff.”
The total package represents a 7 to 8 percent budget increase, while the union’s counteroffer, calling for a $4-an-hour raise, would raise the budget by roughly 22 percent.
“We respect and value the hard work of our staff,” Gray said, “but we also have to balance fiscal responsibility for our taxpayers.”
Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski noted that many staff concerns stem from overtime and scheduling issues, factors that should continue to be addressed in union discussions.
Looking ahead
Franzoni praised her staff for maintaining professionalism and safety despite staffing challenges. “We have really great people who still serve with pride and honor,” she said. “Our priority remains the safety and well-being of everyone inside those walls.”
The 2025 operational report is expected to be released early next year, providing a comprehensive review of safety and staffing trends at the Franklin County Jail.
