Lancaster County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lancaster County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
SERT Team Equipment Grant Application
The county applied for a nearly $479,000 state grant to buy a vehicle for its emergency response (SERT) team — bringing outside money in for county safety.
Agricultural Conservation Easements
Three farms totaling about 126 acres in Penn, Drumore and Salisbury townships would be permanently preserved under Resolution 69, funded mostly by state money. This keeps the land in farming forever and adds to contiguous blocks of already-preserved farms.
Workforce Development Board funding and partnership agreement
The county renewed its agreement with the Workforce Development Board, which channels federal dollars to job seekers and businesses in Lancaster County. The board's $1.27 million operating budget for next year got the green light with a small 1.34% increase.
Senior services funding
County seniors get the 2027 Senior Games at Spooky Nook and slightly pricier Meals on Wheels deliveries — a quarter more per meal, paid from state grant funds.
Senior and Human Services Agreements
A batch of agreements keeps county services running: Office of Aging programs at Spooky Nook Sports, Meals on Wheels delivery in the Mount Joy area, Children and Youth and Juvenile Probation renewals, and a behavioral health MOU with the Lancaster/Lebanon LICC.
Next Generation Farm Loans
Two young farm couples got county-backed low-cost loans totaling about $1.36 million to buy their first farms — keeping farmland in production and in local hands.
Tourism growth in Lancaster County
The Office of Aging renewed its deal with Spooky Nook Sports to host the Senior Games in early May 2027, capped at $55,000 — the same max as last year, funded by state block grants and donations.
Housing & Redevelopment Authority appointment
Kyle Moore was appointed to fill a resignation-created vacancy on the Housing/Redevelopment/Land Bank authorities, with Yoder abstaining for more review time. Quorum problems at recent meetings made this time-sensitive, and a second seat opens later this year with Brooke Hall in the mix.
Sheriff's Office software and policy contracts
The sheriff's office relies on AchieveIt for project tracking and Lexipol for keeping its policy manual current with state accreditation standards. Both contracts were renewed, though the sheriff said they may drop AchieveIt next year if another county tool can do the job.
Bulk fuel and fleet card contract
The county locked in three-year deals for bulk fuel delivery (with new fleet card services) and insurance brokerage services — the insurance deal costs $456,999, a 10.79% bump.
Homeless data system coordination
A no-cost two-year agreement keeps the county connected to the regional system that tracks and coordinates services for people experiencing homelessness.
Buchmiller Park improvements
The county added $32,500 to RETTEW's contract to finish design work on a bigger parking lot, new bathrooms, a new playground, and a public sewer connection at Buchmiller Park.
Fire prevention and battery safety awareness
Commissioners proclaimed National Fire Prevention Week, and fire chiefs urged residents to charge devices safely — this year's theme — and keep working smoke detectors. Cooking remains the top cause of home fires.