(1/2024) At the December 20 public meeting the Commissioners adopted a 2024 Final Budget of $88M with No Tax Increase. This includes both the General Fund of $69,955,111 and the Special Funds of $14,591,346. It also includes the Bridge Fund of $485,500 and Hotel Tax Fund of $2,792,152. Adams County is in a strong fiscal position with an ample reserve and retains its Aa2 bond rating. The entire budget is on-line, and a hard copy is open for review at the Commissioner’s Office counter. Effective fiscal management is earned by diligence and good management. Special recognition goes to the Adams County Fiscal Team consisting of the Adams County Treasurer, Controller, Budget Office, and Commissioners Office for their consistent analysis and guidance.

Speaking of the budget and taxes, each year by statue the Adams County must quantify the value of Adams County Real Estate. Pursuant to the PA Consolidated Assessment Law §8844, Subsection "f", the Board of Assessment Appeals on 11/15/23 certified the following assessed values: Real Property ($10,006,677,400) Total Number of Properties (47,170).

The value of our Volunteer Emergency Responders in Adams County is priceless! At the November 15th public meeting the Commissioners approved Ordinance #3 of 2023. This Ordinance provided tax relief for qualified volunteer emergency responders residing in Adams County. The State Legislature recently passed a bill that allowed Counties to provide tax relief for volunteer responders – without providing any funding. Thus, each County had to decide if they chose to fund this initiative. Given the value and commitment of volunteer first responders in Adams County, the Commissioners determined that implementation of this program was very appropriate. It is hopefully another recruiting and retention tool for fire and EMS. The money will come from the County’s General Fund. Qualifying volunteer responders will receive a $250 tax credit. Qualifying hours will be tracked by the President or Chief of the organization with an approved formula for that department. The Adams County Board of Commissioners recognizes the significance, value, and commitment of our volunteer first responders and hopes this small gesture provides our volunteer responders both fiscal and personal recognition!

If you are involved in any phase of agriculture in Adams County, you understand how important the Adams County Conservation District is toward supporting this economic and preservation engine. To provide effective service to the ag and preservation community, it takes a committed Conservation District staff and Board of Directors. Fortunately, we have both. At the November 15th public meeting, upon the recommendation of Conservation Director Adam McClain, the Commissioners re-appointed two directors. Charles Bennet was re-appointed as Public Director. Carl Keller was re-appointed as Farmer Director. Carl currently serves as Board Chairman. Jim Martin was re-appointed as Commissioner Representative. Thank you to each of these individuals for their time and willingness to serve on the Adams County Conservation District Board!

The Adams County Treasurer’s office is getting a new software program to improve the collection process for both the County and lodging facilities. Collection of the tax is very important for marketing and promotion of this critical Adams County economic engine. iGovServices will be providing the software and support in the amount of $14,400. At the meeting Adams County Treasurer Crissy Redding recognized Deputy Treasurer Kierstyn Green for her efforts in researching and evaluating this product to enhance the hotel tax collection process!

Preserving our farmland is essential to retain our agricultural heritage. At a recent public meeting the Board approved two Ag Easements presented by Adams County Rural Resources Manager Ellen Dayhoff. One was the Bruce Pohlman & Son Hog Farm. It is an agricultural conservation easement consisting of 43.23 acres in Germany and Union Townships. The total cost was $129,690.00, with the County share being $12,969.00. The other ag easement was for the Arentz Family L.P. in Union Township. The total cost was $240,000.00, with the County share being $12,020.00. Thank you to Adams County Ag Land Preservation for their efforts in preserving our heritage agricultural lands!

The Adams County Community Foundation Giving Spree, reported at The Great Reveal on December 15, that a staggering $3.1M was raised for over 100 Adams County non-profits. That total came from 10,695 gifts. The event started in 2011 with 65 donors and has grown to be one of the largest per capita community giving events in the USA. The top 5 recipients were Adams County Historical Society $583,209, SCCAP $154,288, Shining Stars Therapeutic Riding $127,697, YWCA $114,103, Land Conservancy of Adams County $100,354. Thank you, Adams County for understanding how important our non-profits are to the quality of life in Adams County!

Congratulations to all the candidates that were recently elected or re-elected to serve our community! The traditional Swearing in Ceremony took place on Friday, December 29th in the Historic Courtroom for any newly or re-elected that chose to participate. That includes Borough, Township, and County positions. Service in public office is an essential component of our democracy. A loud shout out to these public officials and their willingness to serve their community!

From the Adams County Board of Commissioners, Best Wishes for a Joyous Holiday, Happiness, and Good Health in the New Year! Remember, no matter what you do, get out there and experience all the historical, agricultural, recreational, natural, and cultural opportunities that beautiful Adams County has to offer!