With billions of dollars available from federal and state funds for broadband improvement in rural areas, a recent presentation at the Commissioners’ meeting indicates the Adams County Broadband Task Force has the data, expertise, and enthusiasm to move forward to the next stage of securing broadband for unserved and underserved residents.
“I want to thank the commissioners for recognizing the importance of broadband access for everyone and their foresight in creating the task force and conducting the feasibility study,” said Isaac Bucher, task force chair. “I believe that their timing has placed Adams County in an excellent position to maximize the ability to secure funding.”
The task force was created last fall, partnering with Design Nine, an award-winning company that designs and manages telecommunications and broadband systems. The first job was to send out a survey to as many county residents as possible to build a database that accurately reflects the area’s internet needs.
Bucher called the survey results a “good affirmation” in terms of what they were expecting — the greatest need in the northern part and some in the western and southern parts of the county.
The county recieved responses from 2,500 households and businesses. Commissioner Qually, the task force ex-officio member, said that besides the much higher-than-expected response rate, data was collected from throughout the county, not just in the more urban areas. He believes the recent COVID epidemic made everyone aware of how much dependable and equitable Internet is needed.
Brady Rodgers, from the Adams Economic Alliance, one of the project’s partners, outlined the study findings and key points from the survey, saying improved fiber is needed for the long term and fixed wireless for the short term. Those needs will be established through a broadband strategic plan, “but,” he warned, “it’s not going to be fixed overnight. It will take time, and we’re going to need community support.”
Qually estimates it might be finished in 10 years.
Key points from the survey results indicated:
- 74 percent of respondents want faster and more reliable internet service
- All businesses that responded said the Internet is essential to the success of their business over the next five years.
- 77 percent of companies need employees to be able to work from home.
- 94 percent said they believe the county government should help facilitate better broadband.
The next step, said Qually, is to make the study public. It is posted on the county website, where residents can view it to understand what is at stake. The task force will also be reaching out to stakeholders – schools, the agriculture community, businesses, and the council of governments to get their feedback on how the county’s internet services impact them and where those needs might overlap. A third step is to seek community engagement. “We need the public help with the next step,” he said. “We need to reach out to those who understand the goals and initiatives and can explain to us, in detail, what their challenges are.”
Commissioner Randy Phiel said broadband is crucial to the county’s quality of life, education, and economic development and thanked the task force for its hard work. Commissioner Jim Martin praised the task force for its consistent pace and timeliness in moving forward with the study when they did. Qually agreed, adding, “When the funding applications are available, if you don’t have good data to back up your application, you’re going to have a hard time getting money.”
In other board business, Children and Youth Services director Sarah Finkey presented a $1,570,370 budget share to the county for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, up slightly from the current budget year. This represents about 18.6 percent of the total budget.
“About 80 percent of the budget comes from state funding,” explained Finkey, who added that grants are also procured to reduce the money needed from the county.
Costs are associated with emergency shelters, community residential and group homes, foster families, supervised independent living, alternative treatments, child protective services, counseling, daycare and treatment, homemakers and caretakers, information and referrals, life skills education service planning, youth development center, secure residential, juvenile detention and special grant incentives. The data for 2022-2023 indicates nearly 5,000 referrals, of which 73 percent were from child protective services, with 27 percent coming from general protective services.
Commissioner Qually said he has learned how incredibly complex the job of children and youth services is as they try to steer away from institutional placements. “Adams County has always been about strengthening the families first,” he said. “We need that.”
Commissioner Martin thanked the organization for its diligence in placing the right child in the right situation. “It gives them a chance to build a future that is productive and successful.”
ACACC
- Adams County Adult Correctional Complex (ACACC) is seeking $103,516 in federal grant funding to detect and mitigate COVID-19 in the center. It will include testing kits, UV-C lighting systems, personal protective equipment, and other supplies.
- ACACC eligible members will continue to be able to access adult basic education services for the next year provided by the Adams County Literacy Council.
- An addendum extends the term for the provision by YWCA Hanover Safe Home of domestic violence and human trafficking victims services to residents of the ACACC, as well as professional training for employees and staff.
Polling Location Changes
Residents from McSherrystown and Bonneauville boroughs will see a change in their polling locations. The permanent changes will include a move from the McSherrystown Senior Center to Delone Catholic High School, 140 S. Oxford Ave., and the Deacon Rich Weaver Parish Center, 12 E. Hanover St., will replace the current location at the Bonneauville Municipal Building.
Judith Cameron Seniura is a freelance reporter. She began her journalism career in the early ‘70s and has written for newspapers, magazines, and other media in Ontario, Canada, Alaska, Michigan, Nebraska, San Antonio, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.