Could there be a tax increase in 2022? Here's what's in Franklin County's budget

Staff report
·3 min read

Update: The budget as described below was adopted on Dec. 15.

Property taxes will not change as part of Franklin County's proposed budget for 2022.

The Franklin County commissioners approved the $166.2 million budget on Wednesday, according to a news release. Commissioners will vote on the final budget on Dec. 15.

The property tax millage rate will stand at 29.1 mills if the budget is approved as it stands. That includes 25 mills for general operations and 4.1 mills for debt service.

This will be the sixth consecutive year without a tax increase for general operations, Commissioner John Flannery said. The debt service millage increased in 2019 to help pay for the overhaul of the county's court and administration facilities.

The proposed budget for 2022 can be viewed in the Franklin County Commissioners' Office in the Administration Building at 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg, through 2 p.m. on Dec. 15.
The proposed budget for 2022 can be viewed in the Franklin County Commissioners' Office in the Administration Building at 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg, through 2 p.m. on Dec. 15.

The general fund is primarily covered with tax dollars. Expected to come in at $56.4 million in 2022, it includes all or part of crime/courts/corrections, community and taxpayer services, financial and administrative services, emergency services and human services. More than 76 cents of every tax dollar goes to crime, courts and corrections.

According to the news release, 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.

More: Horses will help veterans living with disabilities in central Pa.

More: Things to know about Franklin County's new judicial center

“The 2022 budget prepares Franklin County for the future,” said Commissioner Chairman 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.”

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 biggest part of the $67.8 million project, the Franklin County Judicial Center, was completed this fall.

“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.

Citizens can view the proposed budget online at franklincountypa.gov and in the Franklin County Commissioners' Office at 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg, until 2 p.m. on Dec. 15.

Email questions or comments to the Franklin County Fiscal Department at fiscal@franklincountypa.gov.

This article originally appeared on Chambersburg Public Opinion: Franklin County, Pa budget: What's proposed for 2022