DA and head of Lancaster County Drug Task Force describe task force's work at Terre Hill Council meeting
When: Terre Hill Council meeting, June 11. President Jerry Sensenig and council member Jason Firestine were absent.
What happened: District Attorney Heather Adams and the head of the Lancaster County Drug Task Force, Det. Sgt. Kurt Montz, described the work of the task force and how it spends municipal contributions.
Background: Montz said the task force has not made any arrests in Terre Hill, but that doesn't mean drugs are not present in and around the borough, particularly given the town's proximity to Reading and Lancaster cities. Several months ago, just six miles away in East Cocalico Township, the task force confiscated eight guns, some methamphetamine, and other drugs, Montz said. "It's here," he said.
Quotable: "Donations are extremely important for us to continue to be able to function," Adams said. "Most townships really appreciate the (Lancaster County) commissioners kicking in half. I know there is still an argument about whose responsibility it is, and where it should fall. But why donate? Even though we haven't been up here knocking on any doors, there's no community here in Lancaster County that is immune from either someone having a substance abuse issue or the crime that results from that."
By the numbers: Council voted 5-1 in April to contribute $1,357 to the drug task force. Vice President Garry Hartranft voted against the donation, saying he preferred the money stay in the borough. Council agreed then to invite Adams to a future meeting to talk about the task force and its funding.
Quotable: "Big change of heart," Hartranft said after the meeting. "They came here and they explained things. I think with this administration, I have more confidence now."
Terre Hill Days: Organizers of Terre Hill Days will ask council in July to support changing the dates of the event, starting in 2025, from the end of July to the end of June. Declining attendance, due in part because of heat, rain and thunderstorms that are common in late July, prompted the request, said Valerie Gregory, borough secretary and event volunteer. This year's event runs from July 18-21. A date change could affect other organizations that have plans to rent the park in June, but Gregory does not anticipate major conflicts.
