(7/2018) Do you realize that in 2016-2017 without spending controls, PA Governor Tom Wolf spent $1.5 billion more than the state collected? These statistics are monitored and reported by the Commonwealth Foundation. I wish the state was as conscientious of expenditures as Adams County must be. We cannot allow large gaps to develop between revenues and expenditures. Our goal is simply to keep expenditures less than revenues. We cannot hope it will happen, we must make it happen.

As we, the county, move through the year we are regularly monitoring our revenues and expenditures. This also includes projecting future expenditures based upon our records of historical spending and known future spending needs. This information is brought to regular review sessions led by our Finance Department. This allows us to have a current perspective as to whether or not revenues will continue to exceed projected expenses.

As of the writing of this article, I am glad to report that our projections to the end of 2018 appear very favorable. Can unexpected expenses occur before the end of the year? They may. Fortunately we have directors and officials that continually look for means to increase revenues and cut expenditures. It is frustrating when new revenues are produced and huge unexpected expenses occur for which we have little or no control. A case in point was the hit and run damage done to an historic, county-owned stone bridge. To make the required bridge repairs according to code guidelines, the cost has been estimated to be $80,000.

Our Treasurer and her staff have recently restructured some of our largest bank accounts. This has produced greater interest income and lower fees. This net revenue increase will eventually be consumed by the bridge repair discussed and insurance deductibles for workman’s compensation and accident claims. We will also be working with our Clerk of Courts for expanding means of collecting additional bail forfeitures.

With hundreds of county employees and thousands of visitors monthly to the courthouse there are numerous opportunities for injury claims. To help reduce accident frequency and claims, directors, staff, and myself periodically participate in risk management training provided by our CCAP counties insurance pool. Also, as members of the self-insured pool we are frequently eligible for grants for projects to reduce safety hazards, improve safety, and increase surveillance. Why increase surveillance? It not only enhances security, but it also provides videos that become our best defense against false injury claims. Fewer claims help keep insurance premiums lower. The grant money is provided by the CCAP joint investment of the insurance pool reserves.

The Joint Investment Board of Directors oversees how these funds are invested. As a member of this board, I can verify that the increased investment income has allowed grants funds available to counties to double and the requirement for matching funds has been suspended. This is one of the benefits of belonging to a self-insured program. So, county government becomes more than providing services; it continues to involve a wide range of management activity for efficiency and effectiveness.

On the horizon is a new directive from the PA Department of State to the counties. The new directive requires all counties to replace all vote counting/tabulation equipment with new federally certified equipment that produces a paper trail. So far only one vendor has been certified to provide this new equipment, which has yet to be manufactured in quantities that will supply PA. If Adams County has to convert to all new counting equipment, the cost will likely reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. I estimate that the Federal Government grant to Adams County will fall well short of what is needed.

Additionally, the state wants the new equipment to be put in service for the next Presidential Election, 2020. To roll-out a new process in a Presidential Election year seems ill-advised. Our election director, Monica Dutko and I feel this could be a fiasco. Do we really want a new system to be tested in a Presidential Election that produces a highest volume of voters and longer lines? To me the answer would be no.

One reason I say that with confidence is the many years of experience and wisdom of our Elections Director and her judgement. The other reason to say "no" is due to the condition and precision of the county’s voting equipment. Our equipment has been well maintained and recently upgraded. The precision of the equipment was recently tested this year in an actual recount situation following the May, 2018 primary election. Approximately 1600 paper ballots were hand counted from selected precincts. That paper ballot count had the same exact count as the voting machine scanner count. You cannot get any better than no mistakes. Keep in mind that our machines produce a paper trail, a requirement of the new State Department Directive. The State Department is concerned about safety and integrity of the voting process, and I believe we have proven we have met those standards. The only way that I know we could enhance safety and integrity in Adams County voting is through voter photo ID.

As many of you know June 14th is Flag Day; a day of special recognition and respect for our nation’s flag. In recognition of Flag Day the area Veterans’ Organizations hold a flag retirement ceremony to properly retire worn, tattered, and unserviceable American flags. This respectful ceremony was held at the Biglerville Legion Park as has been done for many years. I wish to say thank you to all involved that made the ceremony possible. It was definitely a tribute to Americanism. I hope the ceremony will continue and even more people will plan to attend next year. Have a wonderful, safe 4th of July. We have much to be thankful for and much to pray about.