CHAMBERSBURG—The Franklin County Commissioners tentatively approved the 2022 proposed budget of $166.2 million, which is consistent with the 2021 revised budget of $166.3 million and reflects no tax increase.
The total property tax millage rate remains unchanged at 29.1 mills. This rate consists of general operating millage of 25.0 and debt service millage of 4.1.
“The 2022 budget prepares Franklin County for the future,” said Commissioner Dave Keller. “Funds will be allocated to update the county’s comprehensive plan, which is required by law to be completed every 10 years and will guide county policy for the next decade. The budget also helps to promote a strong, diversified economy by focusing on essential programs and services while also providing selective discretionary funding for efforts to maintain and improve our overall quality of life.”
The 2022 budget reflects funding to accomplish the following priorities:
Streamlining government and delivery of services through the use of and improvements to technology; upholding public safety and security; maintaining services that support Franklin County residents by funding programs for human services and veterans; and examining county staffing levels with a focus on operational priorities and providing competitive pay and benefits, as well as the resources that staff need to perform their jobs.
“This budget provides for the continuation of vital government services necessary to the health, safety and general well-being of the residents of Franklin County,” said Commissioner John Flannery. “Full funding is provided for operations and continuing facilities improvement projects without the need for a general fund tax increase for the sixth year in a row.”
“Consistent with previous budgets, the 2022 budget prudently uses funds from capital reserves and expected general fund savings from 2021 to maintain operations and facilities as well as replace equipment as needed,” said Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski.
Included in the budget is $13.5 million for the county’s multifaceted Court Facility Improvement Project. This allocation is part of the total $15.1 million capital expenditures budget for 2022 and will include renovations to both the historic courthouse and the courthouse annex.
The 2022 proposed budget is available online at www.franklincountypa.gov as well as at the Commissioners’ office at 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg, until 2 p.m. Dec. 15 when the Commissioners will vote to accept or amend the final budget.
Questions and comments on the tentative 2022 budget can be directed to the Franklin County Fiscal Department at fiscal@franklincountypa.gov.
