68% of total general fund revenues on December 31, 2025. Through the maintenance of an adequate level of fund balance, the County can help stabilize funding for operations, stabilize taxes and fees, and realize cost savings.
In 2021, to assist with Long-term Planning, the Board of Commissioners adopted a Capital Improvement Plan Policy. This policy provides the framework and procedures for the development, approval, and publication of the Adams County ten-year plan for Capital Improvements. The CIP is a ten-year rolling plan identifying capital projects to be funded during the plan period.
The County of Adams is required to adopt an annual budget no later than December 31 of the previous year. Public meetings are conducted on the proposed budget and made available for 20 days prior to the final adoption. The Commissioners may at any time, by resolution, make supplemental appropriations for any lawful purpose. The County maintains budgeting control at the individual fund level. Unexpended appropriations lapse at year-end.
Budgets are legally adopted for the general fund and special revenue funds which include 911 Telecommunications, Children and Youth Services, and Hazardous Materials. The Hotel Tax Fund, Bridge Funds (Act 13 Bridge Improvements and Liquid Fuels) and Capital Budget are also budgeted and legally adopted.
In 2025, Adams County advanced a broad portfolio of initiatives reflecting its commitment to fiscal responsibility, public service, infrastructure resilience, public safety, community well-being, and economic vitality. Entering the year with stable reserves and a strong Aa2 bond rating, the County continued applying prudent financial management practices while collaborating with departments, partner organizations, and community stakeholders to strengthen essential services and improve quality of life for residents.
The County began the year with a renewed focus on emergency preparedness and public safety. Efforts included restoration of the Live Incident Status webpage, implementation of additional NextGen911 enhancements, and expanded interoperability with the Pennsylvania State Police through a new talkgroup agreement and dedicated ringdown line to improve dispatch coordination. Emergency response capacity was further supported through ongoing upgrades to the County's 911 system and participation in the South Central PA Counter Terrorism Task Force, which secured more than $1 million in federal homeland security funding benefiting Adams County.
Significant progress also occurred within emergency services infrastructure. Adams Regional EMS advanced its plan for a new headquarters facility designed to improve operational efficiency and expand service coverage across approximately three-quarters of the County. Volunteer fire service development continued through the Cadet Fire Academy, which graduated approximately two dozen trainees. Memorial events honoring fallen officers and K-9 units highlighted the County's ongoing recognition of public safety personnel and their service.
Adams County made notable advancements in land use planning, conservation, and environmental sustainability. New agricultural conservation easements were approved throughout the County, including several hundred-acre tracts in Conewago Township and surrounding municipalities, supporting long-term preservation of farmland and agricultural heritage. The County partnered with state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private landowners on the Conewago Creek stabilization project, a multi-partner initiative to restore streambanks, enhance habitat, and improve public access. Additional efforts included supporting