York County townhall meetings continue for update of comprehensive plan

YORK COUNTY – Townhall meetings continue throughout the county as the update of the county’s comprehensive plan is underway.

​Commissioner Andy Bowman noted how he had already attended two townhall meetings as of the date of the county board meeting, “and everyone has been bringing up really good issues. I thought about what we can do to help revitalize our smaller villages and work to bolster housing there, to help create more tax base while increasing housing at the same time.”
On that same day, Commissioner Chairman Randy Obermier noted there had been about 300 surveys completed, regarding the comprehensive plan, “so that’s been a great success as they (consultants) hoped for 100. And 87% of them were completely filled out, which I guess is a really high percentage.”
The commissioners have been attending the meetings as well, with most attending three or more, so they can hear firsthand how county residents feel about the future. All the comments are being compiled by Marvin Consultants – along with the survey results – to be presented to the planning commission and the county commissioners when final decisions are made.
During the meeting in Gresham, there were comments about concerns from locals about property issues, housing, need for daycare and a need for heightened security to increase law enforcement as well as help them enforce their existing ordinance issues.
During the meeting in Waco, many in attendance said they chose to live in this area because of the small-town feel, because of family, being part of the farming community, good schools and the fact their farming operations had been in their families for generations.
In that conversation, one farmer said he never thought “we’d be fleeced out by outside corporations,” which he doesn’t want to ever see happen.
Many said they like York County’s location, safety issues with fire and law enforcement protection, access to major highways and the existence of ample groundwater.
When it came to present and future opportunities for York County, many said they feel there are opportunities in value added agriculture, diversified agriculture and for more people to work from their homes with increased highspeed internet.
Regarding biggest challenges, some mentioned “brain drain, keeping young people here or bringing them back, affordable housing “and protecting our land and environment over a promise of money from outside industries which want to develop here. Can we develop in a way which protects people, land and our environment? And for companies who want to come in, who will hold them accountable, like with solar farms? They need to follow regulations, whatever the rules are – the challenge is making the rules and making sure everyone follows the rules.”
In Benedict, when asked about their reasons for living and working in York County, participants said it was thanks to "their families and ancestors who came here for the rich farmland." Another man said, "the agricultural community, end of story." Another offered, "the county as a whole seems like a community," which the consultants said isn't typically said in other locations.
When Benedict attendees were asked what they liked about York County, they mentioned medial facilities, small town living, great schools, "Christian values and principles, fresh air, great source of groundwater and rich soil." They also said, "York County farmers are good stewards of the land, York County is livestock friendly" and there are good safety agencies such as fire and law enforcement departments.
When it came to the question of biggest opportunities for York County, those in Benedict said, "economic development due to location," "it's fine to stay just the way we are," "ag business diversification" and "taking advantage of the four-year university in York." One individual added, "We need those from the younger generation here tonight to talk about opportunities but they are out in the field cultivating. We need the young generation to be able to come back to farm and not be worried about all the land being covered with solar panels" -- noting they wrote this comment with 10 exclamation points behind it.
What are the biggest challenges for York County? One said road conditions, others in Benedict said property tax methods and practices. Other comments included: "balancing expansion and property rights," "zoning regulations," and "having a better understanding about agriculture among the county commissioners."
One more county townhall meeting remains -- on Monday, June 16, at 6 p.m., at the Cornerstone Event Center on the York County Fairgrounds.