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LANCASTER MARCH 2025 County Council and School Board Meeting

Mar 24, 2025

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Joint Meeting of Lancaster County Council and School Board Trustees

Opening

  • Meeting Called to Order: Joint meeting of county council and school board trustees.
  • Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation: Led by Mr. Stroble.

Opening Remarks

  • Significance: First joint meeting in recent memory.
  • Purpose: Governing community and shaping its future through collaboration.

Agenda Approval

  • Motion to Approve: Passed unanimously.

Communication Sharing

  • Platforms for Sharing:
    • Email groups, social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter), websites.
    • Learn TV broadcasts community programs.
    • Monthly "County Catchup" updates.
    • Community forums and newsletters.
  • Communication Goals: Improve information sharing across county and school board platforms.
  • Partnerships:
    • Mock council meetings with students.
    • Art and essay contests for National Counties Month.

County-School Collaboration

  • Current Collaborations:
    • Monthly meetings among leadership.
    • Finance department interactions.
    • Partnerships with faith-based communities.
    • Joint sports and esports initiatives.
    • Special Olympics and joint meetings for facility use.
  • Staff Involvement:
    • Engagement with parks and recreation and communications departments.
    • Staff from both county and schools recognized for efforts.

Community Referendum Planning

  • School Bond Referendum:
    • Establishment of a 45-member Citizen Review Committee (CRC).
    • Planned school visits and community engagement.
    • Recommendations expected by November/December.
    • Tentative date for bond referendum: March/April 2026.
  • Governance:
    • Requirements for CRC participation and decision-making process.
    • Regular updates and transparent communication.
  • County Transportation Sales Tax:
    • Previous referendum did not pass; new proposal being developed.
    • Consideration of a smaller package for 2025.
  • Feedback from Council and Community:
    • Concerns about timing and size of referendums.
    • Need for better communication and prioritization of projects.

Discussion on Impact Fees

  • Current Impact Fees:
    • Established in 2021 for the panhandle area north of Highway 5.
    • Current collections around $900k.
  • Upcoming Study:
    • To reassess maximum fee limits and potential expansion of fees south of Highway 5.
    • Study expected to cost $70-75k.
  • Council Feedback:
    • Resistance to expanding fees countywide.
    • Acknowledgment of the limited impact fees can have without additional funding sources.

Closing Remarks

  • Acknowledgment of Challenges:
    • Growth pressures in the county.
    • Understanding the financial constraints and community needs.
  • Appreciation:
    • Thanks to council and school board members for collaboration.
    • Recognition of achievements in local schools.
  • Next Steps:
    • Future meeting planned in about six months to discuss impact fee study results.

This summary captures the main points and discussions from the joint meeting, highlighting the ongoing partnerships, challenges in funding and growth, and the strategic planning for future community developments.

Full transcript