(6/2018) From reading the local newspapers you may already have some knowledge of the Adams County space study. Our "new courthouse" is 40 years old and the Board feels there must be a footprint for the future. Thus, a space study was undertaken by county staff and an outside firm. The assistance of an outside consultant was essential. Crabtree & Rohrbaugh was paid $10,000 for their technical expertise, assistance and compilation of the analysis. That study has numerous components, including interviews with department personnel, development of options, and conceptual plans. In addition, there are numerous ways to approach any changes that might be considered, including having County employees undertake a portion of the work, having it completed by contractors, having it done using a phased approach, or having the improvements completed as quickly as possible. What buildings are included is still another variable. The Commissioners have talked about different options; but have not made any decisions about County office space and future building use.

To be simplistic, the options involve making necessary mechanical/ structural repairs and some minimal movement of office staff, a floor by floor renovation of the existing building and a total new build. It is fair to say that currently a total new build has only a remote chance of success. Regardless of what action may eventually be undertaken, the Commissioners want all County personnel and residents to realize that no decision will be made until there is a discussion with residents, elected officials, directors and staff about the options, and that if any consensus is developed action will not be taken until staff is notified. If and when there would be any decision to proceed with any major renovation - the public will also have an opportunity to view and have input to the process. While most of the study is appropriate for public review – there are security components that will not be made public.

The Space Study Team’s work is extremely valuable for recognizing issues and identifying options for Adams County moving forward; but at this time no decisions have been made on any of the options. The Board would like to recognize and thank the Space Study Team for their commitment and diligence to this significant project!

Since this Board of Commissioners took office seven years ago, we have been working with the Adams County Industrial Authority and other entities to facilitate the sale and appropriate development of the two acre N. Stratton Street property formerly known as the REDDI Site and now as Gettysburg Station. This Board has always indicated that their positon was a blend of mixed use would best serve the community. I am pleased to report a New York developer has signed a contract on the property, subject to a due diligence period to review environmental conditions and go through planning, permitting and land development processes. It is my understanding Mr. Harrison already has fairly extensive knowledge of those site dynamics.

The County of Adams took on the role of loan guarantor in 2013 for ACIDA to purchase the land. The sale price of reportedly $1M would allow the county to free up these guarantor funds to use as seed money in other economic development projects. We would like nothing more than to stimulate other viable economic projects. We are hopeful that everything will finally line up to make this long overdue development happen.

Pillow Tax is an important revenue source for providing resources caused by visitation and also for marketing our tourism industry. At the Wednesday April 18th meeting, Adams County Commissioners Meeting, a revised Pillow Tax (Hotel Room Rental Tax) was approved to increase penalties for non-payment or paying late. The fines range from $50 to $150 + 1.5% interest per month. Aside from these penalties, any willful or negligent failure to comply could result in a $200 fine the first month, $400 for the second month occurring within ninety days of the previous occurrence, and $600 for each third and subsequent occurrence within 90 days. Operators could face a municipal tax claim or civil action if they repeatedly fail to make payments.

Adams County has approximately 150 operators of hotels, motels, bed/breakfasts, private residences that rent through the internet and campground rentals. Most of the businesses are professional and timely in their reporting requirements - but a few are not. In the past minimal penalties have not been an adequate tool for compliance. Also, identifying and collecting from small internet based private residence rentals is a growing and increasing issue (see following topic). The ordinance became effective May 1. Anyone having questions on the Pillow Tax should contact Adams County Treasurer Crissy Redding at 717-337-9837.

Speaking of Pillow Tax, on April 9, the House Tourism and Recreation Development Committee held a hearing to discuss HB 1810 that would require online home sharing and short term rental companies doing business in Pennsylvania to register and share information with taxing authorities.

It has been challenging to assure consistent collection from rooms rented through online platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO and Homestogo. Beside the collection of taxes due to promote and support the impact of tourism, this legislation would also promote a more level playing field for the entire lodging industry. Given the amount of lodging activity in Adams County, combined with our Pillow Tax ordinance that was previously mentioned, we will be watching this legislation closely.

There is nothing more important in county government then providing for the health, safety, life and welfare our Adams County residents. The Adams County Department of Emergency Services (ACDES) recently completed the "County-Wide Radio Update/Re-Program Project". This project involved having ACDES staff travel out into the community to meet with local first responders and local government officials to update and re-program their portable, mobile, and base station radios. This is the first time the end-user radios have been updated and re-programmed since the County’s P25 Digital 800 MHz system went live in late 2015. The upgrade included a "firmware" update, which updated the components in the radios; an update to the York County radio system (which went live in late 2017), and added voice announcements into the radio.

The integration of the York County fleet map into our radios means that units from Adams and York Counties can now talk directly to each other while operating on an incident without the need for a dispatcher to establish a "patch"; or tie the radios together electronically. The voice announcements allow radio users to switch talk groups without having to look at the radio; thereby ensuring that the end-user can keep their attention focused on the task in front of them. Over several months, the Adams County Department of Emergency Services staff travelled over the entire county and touched over 2,000 radios to complete this project.

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day Weekend – and I hope you are finally getting all your grass mowed. Whatever you did this past Memorial Day Weekend, I hope it was relaxing and enjoyable. No matter what your favorite leisure activity is, get out there and experience all the historical, recreational, agricultural, natural and cultural opportunities that beautiful Adams County has to offer!