Public invited to comment on Franklin County courthouse project

Chambersburg Public Opinion

CHAMBERSBURG -- Franklin County Commissioners will host two open houses about the proposed $67 million courthouse project.

Jody Driggs, of Siling Architects, Charleston, W.V., presents proposals during a meeting to discuss the future of the Franklin County Courthouse on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at the county annex building.

The county would borrow money to pay for the project. A bond would be repaid over a 20-year period and would increase county real estate tax by 1.5 mills—about $29 a year for the average homeowner.

More:Proposal for new $67 million Franklin County courthouse facility unveiled

The first meeting will be held 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11. The second will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Both will be held in the Franklin County Administration Annex, 218 N. Second St.

John Hart, project manager, leads a meeting to discuss the future of the Franklin County Courthouse on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at the county annex building.

The project is projected save about $8 million in operating costs over 20 years, according to county officials.

The four parts of the project are:

Construction of a courthouse to house six courtrooms, judges’ chambers and court staff, detainer holding cells, a secure sally port and offices for the register & recorder, sheriff, clerk of courts and prothonotary. Cost - $35.8 million.
Minor renovation of the historic courthouse and courthouse annex to house a magisterial district judge, juvenile probation, domestic relations, adult probation, public defender and district attorney. Cost - $6.25 million.
Renovation and expansion of the Administrative Annex, 218 N. Second St., to house county commissioners, the treasurer, fiscal department, planning department, human resources and information services. Cost -- $9.5 million.
Building an archive building in the former Sheetz building on North Second Street – Cost $3 million.

Safety and security is a primary concern. Keeping victims, witnesses, jurors, defendants, judges, attorneys and the public separated threatens the ability to administer justice and costs taxpayers more than necessary, according county officials.

Court-related offices currently are scattered at seven locations in the Chambersburg area.

Questions and feedback about the project can be sent to facilityprojectinfo@franklincountypa.gov.

Jim Hook, 717-262-4759