COMMISSIONERS “STATE OF THE COUNTY” ADDRESS FOCUSES ON COVID-19, BROADBAND

The Indiana County Commissioners delivered a “State of the County” address on Zoom Video Chat earlier today.

During the 90 minute session presented by the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce, commissioners each gave their perspective on the state of Indiana County and fielded questions from the public on a wide variety of topics.

One of the topics that came up multiple times was the topic of the scope of the response the county has taken concerning the Covid-19 crisis. Commissioner Robin Gorman said that as word of the coronavirus came to Indiana County, the Commissioners took a pro-active approach that started when the first rumblings of the Coronavirus pandemic came to their attention.

Commissioners Chairman Mike Keith addressed the rural broadband issue, saying that the pandemic forced the issue of a lack of broadband internet and cellular service in rural areas.

Commissioner Sherene Hess discussed property tax reform, saying that lawmakers need to find a way to shift the burden away from homeowners, but not put it on the shoulders of small business owners and the middle class.