(9/2018) The Board is very proud that the 2018 County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania Annual Summer Conference was held in Adams County from August 4-8. The Pennsylvania County Commissioners last met in Adams County in 1909. There is an iconic photo of the county commissioners meeting in Adams County in the late 1890’s and having their picture taken in front of Devils Den with their high collars and bowler hats. This was the largest attended summer conference in many years with over 530 registered – minus the bowler hats.

The conference was based at the Gettysburg Gateway complex and besides the general sessions and informational sessions, there were activities planned throughout Adams County. Featured speakers include Governor Tom Wolf, Gubernatorial Candidate Scott Wagner, Senator Bob Casey and Congressman Lou Barletta. As a member of the CCAP Board of Directors, I am somewhat cognizant of the amount of work it takes to put on a conference; but having it in your own backyard and being involved in the details illustrates just how much work goes into having a successful event. From all reports the attendees had a great experience in Adams County and have now have returned home as ambassadors for Adams County!

Congratulations to all the folks in the Adams County Controllers Office for compiling and submitting the first ever Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) to the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This effort has been a multiple year work in progress and financial goal for Adams County to file for GFOA recognition of our financial procedures and condition. Also a shout out to the many other departments that contributed to this accomplishment with their partnering to provide information, details, statistics and general information for this document. The report is full of county information and qualifies the strong financial health of Adams County. The CAFR is a beneficial document when bond rating agencies review the county’s financial health which relates to interest rates given to the county. The CAFR Report is located on the county website on the Controllers page under Financial Reports.

Speaking of finances, a well-deserved shout out to our Finance Department, Treasurer and Controllers Office for their collaboration in reaching out to various banks to receive enhanced terms and better rates of interest and return on investments and other accounts. This initiative exemplifies great teamwork within and between our departments that benefits our organization and our residents.

The PA Workman’s Compensation Insurance Trust is Adams County’s provider of workers compensation insurance through County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. At a recent PComp Board of Directors meeting, Commissioner Jim Martin as a PComp board representative, voted to distribute $2.5 from reserve funds to pool members. As a pool member Adams County has been projected to receive $226,115 in dividends based upon actuarial calculations. Of particular note is that Adams County received the largest distribution of all the pool members. The sizeable dividend is dependent upon a combination of factors such as timely and accurate processing of claims, claim types, level of occurrence, and the level of income received by investing our reserve funds. PComp is in a strong financial position due to excellent management of the pool, by only allowing pool members that meet the standards of a strict vetting process, and following the recommendation of an excellent financial advisor that has taken advantage of good market conditions.

We are all very much aware of the opioid crisis in our communities. Here is some very good news for Adams County. Last month the York/Adams Drug & Alcohol Commission opened a new assessment center for individuals seeking substance abuse treatment. The new Adams County Drug & Alcohol Assessment Center is housed within the Adams County Human Services Building. Pennsylvania residents seeking drug and alcohol treatment must undergo an assessment, which evaluates substance use and identifies treatment options.

Until now, Adams County residents could only get such assessments by going to individual treatment providers. The assessments are free of charge and individuals seeking assessments can call the Assessment Center at 717-398-0330 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome. Hours are from 8:00 - 4:30. The new Adams County Human Services facility has made this service possible and the Adams County Board of Commissioners welcomes the staff of the Adams County Drug & Alcohol Assessment Center to Adams County.

Local Barlow dairy farmer Tom Clowney is synonymous with being a fine gentleman, community servant and a dedicated member of the Adams County farming community since the 1960’s. This year Tom was designated by the American Agriculturist Magazine as one of four 2018 Mid-Atlantic Master Farmers. Tom was one of only two Pennsylvanians to receive the prestigious award. He and wife Joanne founded 220 acre Lagging Stream Farm in the 1960’s. Lagging Stream Farm is located on Barlow Road, in Cumberland Township, where over 200 cows are milked daily. Chatting with Tom is always a delight and he is one of the few constituents that may still provide you with a personal handwritten note or letter. On behalf of the entire Board of Commissioners and the residents of Adams County – congratulations Tom! The Board had a surprise recognition for Tom’s significant life-time achievement at the July 25 Commissioners Meeting.

The intense rain this summer has caused the Adams County Emergency Operations Center to open three times because of flooding in the county. The EOC was activated again on Tuesday, August 21. Hopefully the record breaking precipitation will dissipate with fall quickly approaching.

I believe Fall is the best season in Adams County with great weather and a variety of activities. No matter what you do get out there and experience all the historical, recreational, agricultural, natural and cultural opportunities that beautiful Adams County has to offer.