(10/2018) The term "Economic Development" comes before our communities in varying discussions. Those discussions range from workforce development to rezoning to tax incentives.

One effective way a county can directly impact greater economic development is for the County Government to be sound financially. A county government that is sound financially helps set the economic compass toward a positive business environment. Being weak financially is not helpful in attracting future business ventures and development.

Our office of our County Controller recently completed for the first time a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Within this report the public will find various measures of Adams County’s financials. One of those measures was the ratio of unassigned fund balances to general fund revenues. This ratio was 48%, well above the minimum governmental standard of 15%. So, in brief, the County’s way forward has very solid numbers. For further review of this financial report, go to the Adams County web site, adamscounty.us.

Adams County and its commissioners maintain a goal of always moving forward for the wellbeing and betterment of our residents. I picture moving forward as the rising tide scenario, as the tide rises so do all boats. In like manner, as the county’s economy strengthens, so do the economic opportunities for our residents. Also when greater economic activity occurs, our tax base begins to expand through development which generates additional county tax revenues. The ideal sweet spot is for development to outpace the county’s need to raise tax millage rates to cover rising costs. However, it should be pointed out that recent years’ tax revenues have increased, buy very modestly due to a slowly expanding tax base.

So, as a commissioner I realize the importance and luxury of having healthy economic development. Although we have not had booming economic development, fortunately our local economy has been expanding, albeit at a slower rate of growth than the U. S. economy. To aid in keeping the county moving forward economically, the board of commissioners has taken steps and will continue to take steps to incentivize additional economic development. Unfortunately this takes time and patience. We must also build consensus among municipalities to put strategies in motion. This usually requires an investment of years before positive results occur or movement takes place. A case in point was the county’s use of reserve funds as a loan to the Adams County Economic Development Corporation to improve unmarketable lots at the commerce park that had remained unsold for years.

Following the necessary excavation work to improve the lots along with ample marketing time, two of the lots have sold. The proceeds of these sales have been applied to the repayment of the county’s loan. Additionally the sold lots are now on the real estate property tax roll that will produce additional tax revenues. We anticipate that future development of the lots will improve their value and beyond that there will be newly generated business.

Another story that has developed over several years relates to the Hotel Tax Ordinance that the present board of commissioners passed shortly after taking office. This ordinance raised the short-term room occupancy tax (Hotel Tax) from 3% to 5%. This requires, for example, a motel operator to collect 5% of the daily room rate billing and submit the collections monthly to the county. This new ordinance provided our county Tourist Promotion Agency (TPA), Destination Gettysburg with additional funding to expand services and marketing of area tourist attractions. Our motivation for passage of the ordinance was to enhance tourism marketing, helping to keep the county’s tourist industry a leading industry.

The ordinance came at a critical time when the Gettysburg National Military Park visitation was on a declining trend. The new and additional Hotel Taxes that went to Destination Gettysburg allowed them to cover rising costs, to launch a new interactive web site and to develop a repurposed marketing program. That has paid dividends for the county’s tourist industry. Even though the National Park visitation has steadily declined, over-all Adams County visitation has made incremental increases. Also the foot traffic in the Gettysburg shop and restaurant districts has increased not only in numbers, but in the length of the tourist season. During this same time period Agritourism activity has also increased.

There is more of the story to tell as it relates to economic development and Destination Gettysburg. Over the most recent years their membership has strengthened along with marketing activity. As a result additional employees have been added to their staff. The staff has grown to 14 full-time and 6 part-time employees. Destination Gettysburg now needs a larger facility with additional parking to handle its expanding activity.

To accommodate those needs, Destination Gettysburg has purchased a vacant commercial building that once served as the WGET radio station operations. After this vacated building is renovated and modernized it will be the new home to Destination Gettysburg.

The renovation will improve the value of a once vacated building and provide work for skilled trades. Also, construction materials must be purchased. Together this represent a contribution to our economy, tax base, and an overall expansion of services to tourism. In addition, I was recently told by the President of Destination Gettysburg, that their new location will have a conference room available for use for meetings by local organizations. What is even better, there will be plenty of free parking.

The building that Destination Gettysburg will be leaving behind has already been sold to a local businessman. I understand that the new owner will be making improvements to the building. Again this means more improved real estate, wages paid to skilled workers and more materials purchased.

We congratulate Destination Gettysburg on their advancement and contribution to the health of the county’s tourism industry. Also I would like to thank State Representative Dan Moul for his effort to help draft and pass the new legislation that enabled the commissioners to craft and pass a new local Hotel Tax ordinance.

As a quick reminder, Election Day is November 6, 2018. The upcoming election is a very important one for Pennsylvania residents. October 9th is the last day to register for the November 6th election. If you are uncertain where you will be on Election Day, or you have difficulty getting to the polls, you may be able to vote by absentee ballot. To do so you will need to complete an application for an absentee ballot. That application must be received by the County Office of Elections by November 2.