Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bucks County, Pennsylvania public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in taxes budget with medium priority
Conflict counsel costs for county courts
New lawyers get $5,000 signing bonuses and mid-level staff get retention bonuses — all paid by a state grant, not county money, to keep the office fully staffed.
Federal deficit and fiscal concerns raised by resident
A resident warned that over a trillion dollars in federal cuts hitting in 2027 will shift costs to states, counties and individuals — potentially raising local healthcare and tax burdens.
County workforce downsizing in Treasurer's and Tax Claim offices
The Board of Assessment has lost six veteran appraisers to retirement and asked for (and got) a new position to keep records current and avoid losing tax revenue.
Emergency Management salary cap dispute
Emergency management wanted a 31% cap increase on its vacant Operations and Training Officer job, arguing it can't compete with regional salaries. The board split the difference at $80,000 instead of $90,064, with the controller raising concerns about the size of the jump.
County human services contracts for 2026-2027
A bundle of contracts funds foster care, crisis transportation, mental health treatment, and supported employment for the coming fiscal year. These are the services many vulnerable county residents rely on.
Attorney retention in public defender and district attorney offices
Private law firms keep poaching experienced county attorneys with bigger paychecks — the DA's office lost about eight lawyers in the past year and a half. The county is using leftover grant money to keep two veteran public defenders.
2027 Preliminary Budget in the Works
County finance staff are building the 2027 preliminary budget; departments and row officers have submitted their estimates, and the budget will be presented October 30.
Loss of inmate phone commission revenue under FCC ruling
New FCC rules on jail telecom will cut into the commission money the county collects from inmate phone calls. Officials called the formula complex but confirmed revenue will drop.
Other Civics grants to local nonprofits
The county agreed to back a $400,000 loan to the African American Museum of Bucks County through the county's industrial development authority.
Neshaminy Manor funding agreements
Why is the county paying bonuses to salaried non-union staff? Because managers are filling in as RNs, LPNs, and CNAs to keep the nursing home above mandated staffing minimums.
2026 Budget Adjustments
Because of the county's ERP software upgrade, the annual budget process starts a month early — budget packets go to departments and the courts next month, with a hoped-for October go-live.
Super Micro Computer derivative litigation
The pension fund is suing Super Micro over accounting-fraud-related conduct, but the California case has stalled. Lawyers want to refile in Delaware, where the fund's stronger complaint — boosted by a federal indictment of a Super Micro co-founder — could win lead-plaintiff status.