Franklin County commissioners approve routine items, ordinance for bridge right-of-way and several reappointments

Franklin County commissioners handled routine business at their Jan. 28 meeting, including approvals of the meeting agenda and Jan. 21 minutes, and several consent items.

The board approved an ordinance authorizing the acquisition of right-of-way needed to complete two federally funded bridge projects on West King Street (spanning Konica Jig and Falling Spring Creek). Planning staff explained the county delegated authority to PennDOT for right-of-way acquisition to comply with federal funding timelines; commissioners approved the ordinance by voice vote.

Commissioners approved reappointments for several boards and commissions (items 5.02 and 5.03). The names read into the record for one-year terms (01/31/2026–01/31/2027) included Amy Hicks, Patty Knitter House, Jackie Mowen, John Flannery, Wendy Kipe, Kylie Belmore and Steve Christian. For two-year terms (01/31/2026–01/31/2028) the names included Bonnie Schockey, Beth Thorrison, Melody Anderson Smith, Paul Luca, Mike Ross, Casey Phibas and Jamie Stoner.

The prison board agenda was convened with Controller Harold Wissinger present; jail vouchers were approved and the prison board was adjourned. The procurement director opened two bids for spring tax bill printing: Wolverine Solutions Group (Detroit) bid $56,879.67 and Mercersburg Printing (Mercersburg, PA) bid $52,036. Procurement staff said they would perform due diligence and present a recommendation at next week's meeting.

Finally, the board moved into executive session on Jan. 28; the chair clarified there would be no vote at the end of the session.