(5/2023) Adams County has no lack of administrative and business-related matters. All of our activity brings to mind an axiom from a sage administrator, "It’s not what you "expect", but what you "inspect" that gets done". Putting that principle into practice brought the commissioners together with our PNC debt council. PNC is the professional administrator of our major bond debt. A review of our debt load and repayment structure, indicated that in the near term our debt payments will begin to have a decreasing schedule. This is definitely the direction we want it to go.

Our meeting of the debt council further confirmed that the commissioners made a wise decision several years ago to consolidate a higher interest rate bond with other debt through refinancing. The refinanced rate was well below the inflated rates that are currently available. We have no intention of doing any business at currents rates. However, we are taking advantage of much higher interest rates for investing reserve funds and available cash. This has produced welcomed higher revenues that were not anticipated when the 2023 budget was adopted in December. Through our County Treasurer’s watchful eye, we were able to capture what the commissioners consider great interest rates and terms to meet the county’s financial demands.

Through the professional and experienced work of our Budget and Purchasing Office, the commissioners stay abreast monthly of how funds are moving in and out of the county. Through this office’s research of past spending and current trends, we are able to get projections that provide guidance for managing business activity months ahead. This allows for more prudent action should unexpected events occur.

As many are aware Adams County has a very limited tax base from which to generate tax revenues and it is the commissioners’ goal to make the most of what is collected. In spite of limited revenues, the county’s Moody Bond rating has been on an upward trend since 2013. This is reflective of the county’s strengthening financial position. Despite our strong financial position, we have attained the highest bond rating (Aa2) we are able. Moody and S&P cannot rate Adams County any higher than Aa2 until we develop a stronger economy through commercial and industrial growth.

Unfortunately, Adams County too often is regarded as a difficult environment for business growth and relocation of new businesses. To help counter this obstacle, the county supports the Adams County Economic Development Corporation in facilitating business growth and attracting new ventures. However, I do not support fracturing our economy through deliberate political action against businesses. The county has an activist group that seeks to damage businesses that do not support their political agenda. I consider this morally wrong, and it serves to create community discord. This activity will do nothing to strengthen our business environment and actually takes us in the opposite direction.

In spite of this unfortunate activity, I would like to draw your attention to a possible business idea and opportunity that could be fulfilled at the Adams County Commerce Center. This park is a 305 acre campus, nestled in the intersection of Routes US 15 and US 30. Only two lots remain having a minimum lot size of four acres. Presently there is no storage warehouse on the campus for the storage of large items, short or long term; odd dimension construction pieces; emergency supplies; and winter storage of large items (i.e., motor homes and fifth wheel equipment). This is a mature campus with well paved streets with wide dimensions, a diversity of businesses, and major utilities available to all lots. As an added note, 40% of the US population is with one day’s drive of the location. Inquiries should be directed to Robin Fitzpatrick of the EDC, 717-334-0042.

Adams County is presently moving forward on several fronts. The Pennsylvania Dairymen Association, has selected Adams County for the site of their Agricultural Discovery Center. They are presently in the process of a feasibility study for the area selected. Also, the survey for the Adams/Franklin Broadband study is completed and being reviewed by our consultant, Design Nine. This review will give an overview of the broadband capacity by regions of the county. Designers and engineers will then be able to develop a plan to provide more broadband service to Adams County. The cost of the system will also be analyzed as part of the initial review. Finally, the county is moving forward in acquiring a program provider for the Mercy House Recovery Center. The provider will be Managing Partner of Sober Living, LLC, known as Nicolas House. They presently operate multiple licensed recovery and counseling facilities. We are in the process of finalizing details with the Nicolas House team and the opening is anticipated for late May 2023.

Speaking about late May, on May 27 will be the Give It Up for Good fund raiser sale to benefit the programs of the United Way of Adams County. The sale will be held at Gettysburg College in the Hauser Field House. There will be plenty of good bargains with the Early Bird Sale from 7 to 8 a.m., giving shoppers first choice. To enter the Early Bird Sale requires a $5 fee, a great opportunity for bargain hunting. (No entry fee after 8 a.m.) As the end of the sale approaches a half price sales will begin.

And just around the corner for Adams County register voters is the primary municipal election. The last date to register or change your registration is May 1. Mail-in or civilian absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on election day. Election Day is May 16; polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are voting for the first time at a particular precinct, you must present an I.D. before receiving your ballot

As a reminder, since this is a primary, you will only receive a ballot of the party for which you are registered. Make sure as a Republican or Democrat you receive the correct party ballot. By the way, Pennsylvania does not have an Open Primary, so if you are registered Independent or Non-affiliated there will not be a voting ballot for you in this election. Please drive carefully when approaching polling places; there could be lines of voters near your path of travel. If you are a Franklin Township voter, your poll will be the Cashtown Fire Hall; precincts 1 and 2.

Have a wonderful spring