Amend the County Code to extend the residency requirement time frame by which the County Administrator, Deputy County Administrator and the Director of Economic Development must locate within Lancaster County.

County Council has previously discussed the residency requirement for the three staff positions identified in the County Code that must adhere to a residency requirement, as a condition of employment.  The residency requirement, as discussed in July 2023 centered on adjusting the boundaries of the residency requirement, but did not contemplate adjusting the current timeframe of six months, by which the identified employees had to achieve residency. 

Given the economic realities of the day and the many issues associated with relocations, including selling properties and finding new housing in a tight housing market in Lancaster County, it may take more than six months for these employees to finalize permanent residency.

This ordinance provides more flexibility for relocations, but still supports Council's preference to have these top staff positions live within the County by extending the residency requirement timeframe from six months to twelve months (one year).

This action will allow flexibility for personal family situations of the identified candidates for these positions.  It will also help support the County's focus to recruit top talent to the County workforce and expand the recruitment pool for these three management positions.

Approve Ordinance 2023-1868.