Franklin County Proposes 2026 Budget Without Property Tax Increase

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners have put forth a proposed budget for 2026 totaling $154.2 million, aiming to maintain the current property tax millage rate at 29.1 mills, which includes 25.0 mills for general operations and 4.1 mills for debt service. This proposal marks the eighth consecutive year that county residents would not face an increase in their property taxes.

The proposed budget prioritizes several key areas for Franklin County, including the continued commitment to public safety and security. It also emphasizes the maintenance of essential human services programs, which are supported by matching state and federal funds. These programs cater to a diverse range of residents, including children, seniors, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and veterans, alongside vital mental health and substance use treatment services. A significant focus of the budget is placed on streamlining government operations and enhancing service delivery through technological advancements and improvements. Furthermore, the proposal includes provisions for competitive compensation and benefits for county employees, ensuring the continuity of operations and providing staff with the necessary resources to effectively perform their duties.

A notable shift in the county’s financial strategy is the adoption of a target-based budgeting methodology for 2026. This new approach is designed to more directly align available resources with community priorities and desired outcomes, ensuring that all expenditures are purposefully directed towards achieving the greatest impact. This methodology represents a change in how departmental spending is approached, fostering a more proactive and collective sense of responsibility for managing expenses.

Despite relatively flat tax revenues, the proposed budget for all services in 2026 is projected to be $8 million less than in the previous year. This reduction is largely attributed to a decrease in funding allocated for capital projects. Additionally, allocations for community support and public works programs have been scaled back as post-pandemic funding streams are gradually phased out. To balance the budget and avoid a property tax increase for 2026, the county plans to utilize $4 million from its general fund reserves.

The county acknowledges the ongoing fiscal challenges faced by local governments, including rising costs, inflation, and increasing demand for services that outpace revenue growth. Reserve balances, which are crucial for maintaining financial stability, have been drawn upon in recent years to sustain vital programs without imposing additional burdens on taxpayers. The transition to a target-based budgeting model for 2026 is intended to facilitate more intentional, data-informed decisions that balance immediate needs with long-term financial sustainability.

Key priorities within the 2026 budget include the safety and welfare of residents, particularly the most vulnerable populations. Significant attention is also directed towards public safety and security measures at the Franklin County Jail. The budget reflects a commitment to offering competitive compensation and benefits to both current and future employees, a strategy aimed at ensuring the continued provision of high-quality services to the community.

A substantial investment of $745,000 is earmarked for agricultural land preservation. When combined with state funding, these resources are expected to protect over 372 acres of farmland from future non-agricultural development. Since 1990, Franklin County and the state have jointly invested more than $45 million in farmland conservation. To date, the county has successfully preserved over 20,000 acres of farmland, ranking it among the top ten counties in Pennsylvania for this effort.

The proposed budget also aligns with specific goals outlined in the county’s 10-year comprehensive plan, which includes objectives related to land use, historic preservation, open space and greenways development, housing, and transportation. The county intends to continue exploring innovative ways to achieve greater efficiencies across all departments, both in terms of manpower and the utilization of taxpayer dollars, by embracing advancements in digital technology. The commissioners view it as their responsibility to ensure Franklin County remains an attractive place to live, work, and engage in recreational activities, and the 2026 budget is designed to support these ongoing efforts.

The proposed 2026 budget is accessible for public review online at https://bit.ly/FC2026Budget and in person at the commissioners’ office, located at 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg. The final adoption of the budget is scheduled for 10 a.m. on December 10.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Franklin County Commissioners

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