CHAMBERSBURG – Franklin County Commissioners are considering a 2025 proposed budget of $162.7 million. The total property tax millage rate remains unchanged at 29.1 mills and consists of a general operating millage of 25.0 and debt service millage of 4.1. This marks Franklin County’s ninth consecutive year without a general fund tax increase.
Of course, property taxes still can go up if assessed valuation of a home increases.
Commissioners will discuss the budget at a meeting at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the county municipal building, 11798 Buchanan Trail E. A public comment period also is included at the meeting, along with other routine business.
Franklin County’s 2025 budget reflects funding to accomplish the following priorities:
- Streamlining government operations 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 matching state and federal funds for human services programs, including those for children, seniors, individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities, and veterans, as well as treatment for mental health and substance use;
- 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 2025 budget supports the county’s mission of providing for the health, safety and general welfare needs of Franklin County residents in an efficient, fiscally responsible manner without a general fund tax increase for a ninth straight year,” said Franklin County Commission Chairman Dean Horst.
“Specifically, the budget includes essentials such as the administration of justice, critical human services programs, 911 emergency management, elections and voter registration operations, Franklin County’s culture and heritage, community and economic development, among many other vital functions of county government,” he continued.
Horst added, “The 2025 budget provides for security system upgrades at the Franklin County Jail and includes funding to complete the final phase of the county’s Court Facilities Improvement Project – demolition of the Administration Annex. Funding is also included for general county operations and other incidental capital improvements.”
While the county’s tax revenue remains relatively flat, the proposed all-services expense budget decreased by $7.1 million from 2024. This decrease is largely attributed to a reduction in funding for capital projects, down from $15 million in 2024 to $7.2 million in 2025. The proposed budget calls for the county to use $4.8 million in reserves in 2025 to balance the budget without raising property taxes.
“As in recent years, the 2025 budget prioritizes the safety and welfare of Franklin County residents, including services for some of our most vulnerable citizens: our children, our seniors, our veterans and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said County Commissioner John Flannery.
“The budget also provides for a continuation of the county’s agriculture preservation program as Franklin County closes in on preserving its 20,000th acre of farmland,” Flannery added. “Finally, the budget reflects our continued commitment to attracting and maintaining a quality workforce by offering a competitive compensation package for current employees and those we aim to attract in the coming years so we can provide the best possible service to Franklin County citizens.”
Included in the budget is a nearly $1.4 million investment in the county’s 10-year strategic infrastructure management plan for its 91.5 county-owned bridges.Through this comprehensive plan, Franklin County proactively identifies and prioritizes bridges that need to be rehabilitated or replaced, allowing the county to budget effectively, seek funding opportunities and ensure that any repairs and replacement projects are timely and cause a minimum inconvenience to drivers.
In 2025, preliminary work is scheduled to begin on bridges on West King Street in Chambersburg Borough, Cornerstone Road in Greene Township, Shimpstown Road in Montgomery Township and Tallow Hill Road between Guilford and Hamilton townships. Funding for these projects comes from federal and state sources without utilizing local property tax dollars.
“In 2025, the county is making investments in computer-assisted mapping appraisal software and other technological efficiencies to bolster the county’s cybersecurity, 911 services and improve customer service across departments,” said Franklin County Commissioner Bob Ziobrowksi. “The 2025 budget also supports specific goals and policy objectives identified by the county’s comprehensive plan, such as land use, historic preservation, open space and greenways development, housing and transportation. These types of investments go a long way toward ensuring Franklin County continues to be a prime place to live, work and play.”
The 2025 proposed budget is available online at https://bit.ly/40VyycJ as well as at the commissioners’ office at 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg, until 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18 when final adoption of the budget is anticipated.
