Adams County Commissioner Randy Phiel (pictured above with President Ken) gave the club members in attendance both in person and via Zoom an update on events and news from county government. Phiel explained that all county decisions related to the Covid-19 pandemic were made by the county commissioners with the health and safety of all 105,000 county residents in mind and the 535 county employees. Phiel said the courthouse has re-opened to the public but you must wear a mask upon entering and you will have your temperature taken to gain entry. The Adams County Prison and the 911 Center remain closed to the public. Phiel explained that the county was forced to temporarily furlough 80 employees during the pandemic in a cost-cutting move. Phiel, who worked for the United States Park Service for 30+ years, provided a unique analysis of the recent events on the Battlefield. He said we live in a great country where groups are able to exercise both their First and Second Amendment rights to get their viewpoints across. Both Phiel and County Commissioner Jim Martin came out strong publicly against the third county commissioner in regard to removing statues and memorials to the Confederate States of America from the Battlefield. The two commissioners in a joint statement said those statues belong as a historical perspective of what transpired here in 1863 and need to be left standing to tell future generations the story. Phiel complimented and thanked our club for the charitable works we take part in within the county, specifically citing our donation to assist SCCAP during the pandemic. Phiel spoke briefly in regard to the county finances and said the county recently received a very strong bond rating and that this rating will allow the county to refinance some debt and save the taxpayers over $2 million in the next two years in interest payments. Due to the pandemic, the commissioners were forced to be to hold virtual meetings via Zoom but as of last week they had returned to in-person meetings in the Historic Courthouse every other Wednesday at 9 a.m. The next county commissioner meeting will be held Wednesday, July 29. |