Commissioners agree to allow chairman to continue making emergency declarations

​YORK COUNTY – The York County Commissioners have agreed to continue to allow the county board chairman to make emergency declarations, including the closure of the courthouse and county departments when warranted.

​Sometimes there are emergency situations – such as a blizzard or a bomb threat (as has actually been seen in the past), as examples – where the ability to quickly convene the entire board isn’t feasible while immediate decisions have to be made. So years ago, the county board agreed to give the declaration power to the chairman.
“It’s something we have done for a few years now, at the start of the year right after the chairman is chosen and I think it’s gone well,” said Commissioner Randy Obermier.
Commissioner Daniel Grotz is the chairman of the board of commissioners for 2026.
“This is for certain emergency events, so he or she can close the courthouse and other offices if needed,” Obermier said.
This allowance also includes the ability of the chairman to sign all emergency declarations throughout the year.
If should also be remembered how elected county officials are still in charge of their own departments. If they choose to be open or closed, despite whether the courthouse is open or closed, as they have that power given to them by state law.