County Commissioner Jim Martin

(2/2022) Adams County continues to be a popular community in which to live or relocate. Many factors contribute to this popularity. Among those factors are health, safety, and general welfare; sustaining these is a primary goal of the Adams County Commissioners and their supporting staff. The challenge is one of everyday vigilance that will continue through 2022. The 2022 budget captures the essence of this challenge.

As the needs of the county change, so do the complement of services and the associated management. One of the greatest changes has been realized in our Information Technology operation and services. We continually receive cyber-attacks, and we must invest to stay ahead of this heinous activity. Protecting our electronic data and records is a must to maintain daily operation. The cost of recovering data that has been compromised can easily exceed $200,000. Additionally, county growth requires expanding our network capacity, and that has unavoidable expenses.

Our emergency services is another county service that is continually challenged by the need to be upgraded at substantial cost. Our emergency communication system and preparedness network must be continually protected and maintained to respond immediately to emergencies. This type of service depends upon highly technical equipment and well-trained staff. The cost of this service is partially funded by communication fees from our use of various electronic devices. These fees come to us through the state, but the state does not send sufficient funds to keep pace with the increased costs of operation. The short fall in state funding must then come from annual county property taxes. Just as an aside, these county property taxes are one of three property taxes paid by property and business owners. School District property taxes account for approximately 75% of the amount of the taxes paid by property and business owners. The remaining 25% of property taxes are paid to the county and municipalities.

Inflation is another budgetary challenge to the county. As a result of the disruption in the distribution and diminished oil supply, higher fuel prices have resulted across the nation. So, one stroke of the pen brought an upward spiral in fuel costs to personal, governmental, and business budgets. We now have greater governmental spending (county included), higher personal expenses (gasoline, utilities, petroleum products) and higher manufacturing costs which raise consumer prices.

Perhaps the greatest challenge during 2021 and continuing into 2022 is operating in the most practical and protective manner to avoid Covid-19. Through the present pandemic we have and are minimizing exposure to COVID-19 yet minimizing barriers to services and court activity. This has and will continue to be a balancing act placing the appropriate number of staff in brick-and-mortar facilities and a portion of staff in remote work settings.

The subject of remote work settings entered a recent round table discussion with the Secretary of the PA State Department of Drug and Alcohol Prevention. At the table were county commissioners, medical providers and counselors, community agencies, and various officials. There was much concern about the inability to adequately counsel and address the needs of their clients. Practitioners, counselors, and parole officers all expressed how virtual and telemed appointments lack the needed personal interactions to properly assess and counsel their clients. Repeated accounts were given how those with addiction and mental health issues regressed in a virtual environment. This was evidenced by increased drug use and problematic behavior. Also lamented was the interruption remote work has caused to prevention education. It was agreed that prevention education works, but inadequate funding and limited staff are an issue. One reporter listening on the virtual conference call asked, "How do we correct the situation"? The Secretary responded that they were not sure, but they would definitely be giving attention to finding answers. If a solution is forthcoming, the roundtable was worth the effort.

The increased amount of illegal and illicit drugs that cross the southern border and find their way to our community create not only a monetary but, more importantly, a high social cost. Several weeks ago young people in our county would have died from a drug overdose had it not been for the rescue efforts of local first responders. Our own Congressman Dr. Joyce has personally witnessed this traffic at the border and has verified that these very drugs have entered our community. Increased availability and drug use require enhanced emergency services, law enforcement and judicial services. My hope and prayer is that the White House will take serious action on the illegal drug traffic.

On a more favorable note, Adams County tourism has been experiencing a rebound. As many may know, 2020 was a dismal year for the hospitality and lodging industries. Based upon hotel and lodging receipts, 2021 will match or exceed 2019 receipts. That is wonderful news! This can be attributed in part to the successful marketing strategies of Destination Gettysburg. They are definitely dedicated to their mission, and it shows. We are all hoping for another great year of hosting visitors in Adams County.

Wishing all a prosperous and healthy 2022.