(9/2023) During the first term of the present board of commissioners we were frustrated with the county’s cost for staff and director health insurance premiums. Through basic analysis we learned there could be substantial savings to the county by converting to self-insured. The conversion has done just that, providing budgetary savings. We developed a strong program by engaging the services of health insurance specialists, and they have been worth the fees for their services.

We just completed one of our program’s regular quarterly review meetings that includes a detailed analysis of the internal financials. This review examines cost containment, pharmaceuticals, stop loss insurance, trends that need to be addressed, and more. After this review we can again report that our program remains financially healthy.

I believe our quarterly reviews and top-shelf advisors are the major factors that have given us a stable program. We have also tried to create a program that is attractive to staff and potential employees. Our goal is to have an insurance program that will promote cost savings to our workers while encouraging them to use the program to maintain good health. We, as employers, understand that healthy employees are more productive and contribute to healthier families and communities.

Speaking of communities, the Adams County Library System seeks to serve our communities well. However, they are struggling financially and seeking strategies to stay afloat. One indicator is their request to Adams County Commissioners for $500,000. I would suggest that the state legislators take action to increase financial help to our library system that has been missing for years. Some of the increased millions of dollars that the Governor proposes for education should be transferred to our local library systems. The benefit of those monies will be far more reaching and lasting by investing in our libraries. Just so you know, I have passed this recommendation on to State Representative Dan Moul.

Speaking of the use of tax dollars, we are full speed ahead developing the county’s 2024 budget. It is always a challenge due to our stagnant tax base that does not keep pace with expenses. Real tax base growth needs to come from commercial and industrial development to add significant property value to our tax base. Anecdotally, I sense an above average trend for commercial and industrial growth. What has recently been unfolding is impressive and noteworthy.

Beginning along the eastern edge of Adams County there will be new construction. Utz Snack Foods will be expanding their High St. operations along the York/Adams county line. Along the same county line and slightly north is a new tire dealership business. Moving north along Carlisle Road a Volkswagen dealership has established a new business combining a repurposed quarry building with new construction. Another new car dealership nearby is expected to replace the long-standing go-kart track nearby.

Going farther north on the Carlisle Pike, near Cross Keys, there is a newly constructed plumbing operation business. A short distance from there along Brickyard Road is a reclaimed industrial site (formerly the Alwine Bickyard) now known as Berlin Junction. It is the home for future manufacturing enterprises. A woods product enterprise relocating from York County has already established itself in Berlin Junction with new production and storage buildings.

There are three other industrial grade facilities coming to the eastern side of Adams County. Within McSherrystown along Blettner Avenue there is to be a new facility that will house the expansion of G&S Snack Foods. A short distance from there along Ram Drive will be the expansion of a metal fabrication work known as Precision Cut Industries, relocating operations from northern Maryland. The third industrial grade facility is expanding in Abbottstown. This operation is a specialty pet foods product distributor needing a new facility constructed to serve the growing business.

Added to the Gettysburg List of commercial activity is the new Gettysburg Tour Center construction replacing the old center with substantially more square footage. Also a professional services building has been constructed in Gettysburg at the corner of Water and Stratton streets.

Going east of Gettysburg on US Route 30 near the US 15 interchange will be a newly constructed Royal Farms Fuel Plaza and associated retail stores. Moving slightly east of this location and turning on to Cavalry Field Road you will find the newly constructed Weavers Body Shop. Just west of New Oxford along US Route 30 is a new Dollar General that can be added to the growing family of Dollar General Stores in Adams County.

The list that I have accumulated above comes from the knowledge gained from sitting on the Adams County Planning Commission and reviewing the county growth with members of the Office of Planning and Development. Also, a frequent reminder of activity comes from accepting invitations to Ribbon Cuttings.

The growth that has been described is likely related to the fact Adams County is located in one of the fastest growing regions in Pennsylvania. Planners, engineers, and municipalities must come together in a cooperative effort before new growth can be initiated. This can often be a slow process impeded by permits, regulations, and inspections. Keep in mind, all of this must be done while balancing our rural character with the need for growth.

Please enjoy our county’s natural beauty and bounty as summer winds down to fall.