08/21/2026
TGIF August 21, 2026 by Randy Phiel, Commissioner
Commissioner Marty Qually Appointed PA State Conservation Commission Director
At the end of Wednesday’s public meeting. Commissioner Qually announced that he will step down effective Monday to become Executive Secretary of the PA State Conservation Commission. The appointment comes after two years of service with the Chesapeake Bay Program. Oversight of the position alternates annually between the state departments of Agriculture and Environmental Protection. Commissioner Qually, Commissioner Martin and myself all came into office in 2012 and have served together for almost 15 years.
Reflecting on the past 15-years at the end of the meeting, the Board has a lot to be proud of including public meetings in the historic courtroom, a critically needed emergency radio system, overall fiscal excellence, strategic department consolidation, improved internal & external communications, and criteria for preservation and development. A few of the Board's larger projects included the Adams County Human Services Building, Mercy House, the Adams County Law Enforcement Firearm’s Training Range, and most recently Oak Lawn Cemetery. Providing quality service to residents and a quality workplace for staff has never wavered. As soon as we were elected in November 2011, we met regularly to plan and establish goals, so when we walked in the door on January 2, 2012 - we could hit the ground running.
Marty, Jim and I are three distinct and different personas – but all have a passion for effective solutions in doing what is best for Adams County. I commented in my remarks that we three are always pleased when residents come up to us and say, “Why can’t State and Federal Government run like Adams County Government” or “You guys seem to be everywhere.” Whether we agreed or disagreed, we never stopped caring about Adams County residents and staff, and we wear that on our sleeves. Looking back, that blend of personalities worked! After 15 years we have all become better community stewards by noting the positive attributes and contributions that we have observed in each other and County staff.
I am sure you join me in thanking Commissioner Qually for his 15-years of noble service to this Board, and to the residents of Adams County, and sincerely wish him the best in his next chapter of statewide public service!
Coefficient Of Dispersion In Acceptable Range
Statewide property reassessment has been a hot topic recently in Pennsylvania. So just when do you do a laborious and expensive reassessment to ensure fairness, equity and accuracy? On an annual basis as of July 1, the Adams County Tax Services Department calculates the Coefficient of Dispersion (COD) based upon sales which occurred in Adams County between January 1st and December 31st of the previous year. The results of this study guide the Board in determining whether to engage a reassessment task force to examine the need of a county-wide reassessment. A COD greater than 20.0 would trigger the task force. At Wednesdays public meeting Adams County Tax Director Daryl Crum reported that this year’s COD is calculated at 12.87, which is well within the acceptable range as stated by the International Association of Assessing Officers. A tax reassessment is quite an undertaking so that is good news!
Community Block Grants Approved
Pennsylvania Community Development Block Grants provide federal and state funds from HUD to help local government improve infrastructure, fix housing and boost economic growth for low- and moderate-income residents. At Wednesday’s public meeting Adams County Planning received approval from the Board for the following projects:
2025 agreement with Luminest Community Development provides $385,887 in DCED Home CHDO operating funds to support organizational operating cost during the development of the North Ridge affordable housing project for income eligible residents.
2024 Possum Valley Municipal Authority provides up to $260,329.00 in CDBG funds for the replacement of the water line along Center Mills Road in Aspers
2025 Possum Valley Municipal Authority provides up to $143,003.00 in CDBG funds for the replacement of the water line along Center Mills Road in Aspers
2025 Bendersville Borough provides up to $117,976.00 in CDBG funding for the Borough’s removal of architectural barriers project, including ADA compliant crosswalk upgrades, curb cut improvements, truncated domes, and related accessibility enhancements.
2025 Gettysburg Borough authorizes the County to administer the Borough’s CDBG program, including required public hearings, environmental reviews, federal compliance, fiscal management, procurement oversight, and grant closeout. Approval permits the County to execute CDBG Grant Agreements on the Borough’s behalf and execute all documents needed for implementation.
2025 Littlestown Borough authorizes the County to administer the Borough’s CDBG program, including required public hearings, environmental reviews, federal compliance, fiscal management, procurement oversight, and grant closeout. Approval permits the County to execute CDBG Grant Agreements on the Borough’s behalf and execute all documents needed for implementation.
America250PA Semiquincentennial Bell Dedication At Dobbin House
On Saturday, August 29TH at 10:00AM, the Dobbin House welcomes all to celebrate the 250TH birthday of the 1776 Dobbin House and the opening of Dobbin House Square Plaza. The event also includes the dedication of the Dobbin House Semiquincentennial Bell and the Charters of Freedom. Along with guest speakers, the Charters of Freedom will be unveiled which include the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, selected Civil Rights Amendments, and the Gettysburg Address.
I am honored to provide remarks representing Adams County during the event. A 7-cannon salute will honor the Dobbin House and the United States of America. I believe the Charters of Freedom Plaza is a legacy community project that will have meaning to residents and visitors for its content, appearance, and opportunity for reflection!
Adams County Domestic Relations Community Connections Event Very Successful
Adams County Domestic Relations recently held their annual Child Support Awareness Community Connections event on the Humna Services Building lawn. Each year this event continues to grow and become more successful. This year over 120 children along with their families came to the event. A variety of community partners and service providers set up at the event and provide resources, activities and handouts such as free food vouchers to the Adams County Farmers Market. This year was especially meaningful as Adams County Domestic Relations welcomed DRS representatives from all over the Commonwealth to observe and experience this Connections Event. This event brings value to our families and community. We tip our hat to Adams County Domestic Relations for organizing and growing this beneficial community event!
Harbaugh Library Blue Star Memorial Event
On Saturday August 1, Commissioner Martin and I attended the dedication of a Blue Star Memorial Marker in front of the Thomas-Harbaugh Library in Biglerville. The marker honors all past and present men and women who have or are serving in the United States Armed Forces. The effort to fund and install the marker was led by the Biglerville Garden Club. These markers are placed in communities across the country with one being several years ago placed in front of the courthouse in case you haven’t noticed. The National Garden Club started the initiative in 1945 following a tree planting initiative, using the iconic blue star from WWII service banners. The program was originally intended for highways but was broadened to include, other civic locations. This was a wonderful patriotic community event with remarks, music and honor guard.
The End
Outdoorsman Extravaganza: Littlestown & Bendersville Fire companies will hold an Outdoor Extravaganza on Saturday at the South Mountain Fairgrounds rain or shine. Cost $10. Doors open at 11:00 and food is available at 12:00. Raffle from 12:30 – 4:30. There will be 37-cash and 37-gun prizes and a $10,000 grand prize. Visit the Bendersvile Fire Company web page for tickets and more information.
Greenmount Fire Company All You Can Eat Crabs & Chicken: Saturday, September 12 from 6-9PM. Doors open at 5:00. Also, there will be a lot of tasty sides and an assortment of drinks. Tickets are $60 until September 5 or until sold out. Love those September crabs!
Music In The Park: Hamiltonban Park, 4020 Bullfrog Road. Sunday, 6-8. The BBD trio perform blues and original tunes. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy good music with friends and an ice cream treat.
Orrtanna Drive Thru Chicken Dinner: Good News Church, 1717 Carrolls Tract Road, Orrtanna. Saturday September 26. Pick up is 12-2:30 and cost is $18. Proceeds will go towards the repair of the church bell tower. Call Traci at 717-778-7884 to order.
York Springs Lions Fresh Peach Event: Peters Fruit Stand, Carlisle Pike. Next Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Ice cream, fresh peach sundaes, dogs, sausage, French fries and cold drinks.
Karen Heister As Dolly Tribute: Totem Pole August 20-29. This tribute highlights Dolly Parton’s journey from humble beginnings to global stardom, showcasing her music, philanthropy, and authenticity. If you are there on Saturday evening look for me in the front row of the rear section!!
Patriotic Lawn Concert: This evening on the front lawn at the historic Rupp House on Baltimore Street. The Flute Flock of Gettysburg perform a selection of patriotic music from 10:30-11:30. The concert is free and open to the public compliments of the Gettysburg Foundation.
GNMP 2026 Living History Programs: Saturday & Sunday the 71st Pennsylvania Infantry will be at the PA Memorial and 67TH New York, Company K will be at Spanglers Spring. Feel free to stop by and view the camps, talk to these living historians and view drills and demonstrations. These are free and open to the public.
Biglerville Fire Company Community Day: Saturday, August 29. Free family fun event. 10-2. Learn about fire prevention and safety + try using a fire hose, face painting, hot dogs, burgers and emergency demonstrations.
No matter what you do, get out there and experience all the historical, recreational, agricultural, natural and cultural opportunities that beautiful Adams County has to offer!
Randy L. Phiel
Adams County Commissioner, Chairman
111-117 Baltimore Street
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325
