Commissioners cite rising costs, maintain strong fiscal position with Aa2 bond rating
The Adams County Board of Commissioners approved the 2025 county budget at their December 18 public meeting, including a 0.7 mill tax increase. The change, from 4.4393 mills in 2024 to 5.1393 mills in 2025 represents a 15.8 percent increase.
The board determined the increase was necessary to meet projected expenses and revenues over the next four years.
Commissioners pointed to the “extraordinary impact of increased costs of goods, services, wages, and benefits” as a key factor in their decision. Despite the tax hike, they emphasized that Adams County remains in a strong fiscal position with an Aa2 bond rating.
The approved budget continues the board’s strategy of projecting expenses and revenues four years into the future. This approach has been used successfully for the past four years, according to the commissioners.
“After examining all projected costs and revenues, and cutting costs where prudent, the Board determined a 7/10 of a mill tax increase was required to meet that projection,” said Commissioner Randy Phiel.
For Pennsylvania property owners calculating their 2025 tax burden, Phiel noted that the county tax comprises only a portion of the total. School taxes, due in the fall, make up roughly two-thirds of the total property tax bill. Municipal and county taxes, which are combined on one bill in the spring, generally account for the remaining third.
In other financial matters, the commissioners approved a new agreement with the U.S. Marshals Service for housing federal prisoners at the Adams County Correctional Facility. The deal includes significant rate increases, with the per diem rate rising 26% to $101 per day and the guard/transportation rate increasing 40% to $45 per hour.
“When it comes to seeking a rate increase for that service, the Feds do not come to us and offer it, we must make a request and justify it with a lot of work and documentation,” Phiel said. “We have now successfully made that happen for the 2nd time during our tenure.”
The board also recognized outgoing President Judge Michael A. George, who is retiring after 23 years on the bench. The commissioners issued a proclamation declaring Dec. 18, 2024, as Judge Michael A. George Day in Adams County.
George, who was elected to the bench in 2001 after serving as district attorney, became president judge in 2013. He received numerous awards during his tenure, including the Golden Crowbar Award from the Pennsylvania Conference of Trial Judges.
“Judge Mike George’s leadership, wisdom, firmness, detailed preparedness, and compassion has had a profound and lasting impact on the Adams County Community,” Phiel said.
In other business, the commissioners:
- Approved an agreement to purchase a conservation easement on 104.13 acres of farmland in Reading Township for $307,391.76, with the county contributing $15,369.59.
- Made appointments to several county boards, including the Broadband Task Force, Planning Commission, and Parks, Recreation and Green Space board.
- Approved a $13,430 contract with Conewago Contractors to repair and stabilize the front steps of the historic courthouse, which had developed a large crack.
Featured image: Judge Michael A. George.