(5/2021) Since the middle of 2020 Adams County, along with over a thousand other counties, has been the conduit for trillions of Federal Dollars. How wisely and prudently are the trillions of dollars that are going across America to deal with the physical and economic impact of the Corona Virus, being used? My observation is that millions of dollars are being spent without well-defined guidance that can lead to squandering of state and federal taxpayer money. When I hear about stimulus funds going systematically to cities that are under poor financial management, I seriously question the wisdom of putting money in those hands. That, however, is not the case in Adams County.

Millions of dollars of stimulus money has and will continue to pass through the Adams County government with well-planned guidance from the Commissioners’ Office. The Commissioners take the responsibility for the proper and appropriate distribution of funds very seriously. When guidance is not well defined, the commissioners have required enhanced directives to be followed. Also the commissioners have not allowed funds to pass to distributing entities without legal and operational oversight. The county’s office of planning and development has developed a model for a well measured process that puts funding to their approved uses. It should be noted that a uniform rating system is used for equitable funding among applicants. Also our controller’s office provides oversight that the funds are being used for valid and verifiable expenses.

I indicated earlier that more funding will be coming to the county. This money will come as a result of the recent legislation, The American Rescue Plan Act. Adams County is expecting $19.9 million from this act. It is to be used for emergency funding to respond to the Corona Virus public health emergency, or its negative economic impacts. Under this Act the monies will be eligible for Corona caused reduction of revenues or to make investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure.

Unfortunately these funds cannot be used to balance the county’s annual budget. It appears that the selected uses of these funds will be at the discretion of the county commissioners. To make the wisest use of the funds to benefit our community, advice from various professionals will be sought concerning our options. At the time of this writing, specific federal guidelines have yet to be delivered. Based upon general information sent to us, we expect to receive half the funding in 2021 and the remainder in 2022. Also per the notice we will be allowed to use these funds into 2024.

That being said, how much more money can we responsibly pump into the U.S. economy? I have great concerns about Pres. Biden’s proposal to the legislature to produce a bill that will spend an additional $2.4 Trillion. Right now federal spending is 102% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). GDP, as many understand, is the value of goods and services produced by our country. When federal spending exceeds GDP we are out of balance and weakening the financial strength of our nation. The dollar has already weakened which means we will be paying more for our imports, hence inflation begins. Adding another $2.4 Trillion puts federal spending well beyond 102% of the GDP. Leading and respected economist Larry Kudlow says this will lead to roaring inflation. Additionally, if corporate and individual taxes are increased as Pres. Biden proposes, this will usher in serious economic slowdown. Roaring inflation combined with an economic slowdown will make a disaster of our economy. Kudlow is confident that the economic fundamentals established during the Pres. Trump administration remain strong and sufficient for recovery without more stimulus.

I am confident that Pres. Biden’s ill-conceived plan for recovery will drive corporations and businesses out of America. Not only will we have roaring inflation, but we will face high unemployment. In this type of environment the gains that have been made in wages under Pres. Trump’s leadership will vanish due to a higher cost of living. .

What can we do in the face of this impending economic storm? First, contact our U.S. congressmen and senators and tell them that for the sake of our future wellbeing we cannot stand trillions more of federal dollars to be spent. The second thing you may consider is purchasing larger ticket items sooner rather than later. When serious inflation begins, that will not be the best time to be making larger purchases. I will definitely be monitoring whether or not Federal legislators give into Biden’s spending plan; if this next spending round passes, I will be taking my own advice.

During the time frame we have been challenged by Corona issues, utility-scale solar projects have been an issue confronting landowners and municipal leaders. The Adams County Commissioners have been closely monitoring these proposed projects and understand that these facilities have the potential for significant local and county-wide impact. We also recognize that developing utility-scale solar projects is a land-use issue.

As with any land uses, a balance needs to be achieved between the rights of the property owners to pursue legal uses of their property and the mitigation of the impact of that use. The decision of how to respond to the development of a utility-scale solar project rests with municipalities per PA Commonwealth Law. Municipalities must follow Commonwealth code which requires municipalities to zone for every use; this includes solar projects. The township need to carefully address the matter and develop appropriate land-use requirements to manage these facilities in a manner best suited to each municipality. As townships and their property owners address this issue, I feel both would benefit by being well informed of the various facets involved with industrial solar. It is too serious an issue for both sides not to be adequately educated about design, location, and decommissioning.

Voting is also too serious of an issue not to be well informed. There is still plenty of time to become educated for the May 18th Primary Election. On this election ballot we will be voting on PA constitutional amendments, so use your vote wisely.