Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues with low priority
Public Safety tower asset sale
The county will sell the decommissioned Three Square Hollow tower site assets — tower, shelter, generator, propane tank, fencing — to Ambassador Towers LLC for $40,000 as part of the P25 radio project transition.
Rising trash disposal costs
The Solid Waste Advisory Committee advanced a battery education program scope of work to DEP, is pushing to expand glass recycling in western communities, and addressed data-security concerns in electronics recycling.
2026 LEPC Summit Donations
Eleven local businesses donated $5,500 to keep the emergency-planning summit — which trains first responders and industry together — running without costing the county.
South Middleton 8 polling place restored
After three elections in a temporary church due to construction, South Middleton 8 voters return to their regular polling place in time for November. Postcards and signage will make sure voters know.
End of Office of Aging Desk Assessments
A long-anticipated state change ends the county's in-house desk assessments, which had made up roughly half the department's assessment revenue. Staff adjusted hiring years ago in preparation.
Prison counselor vacancy filled
After interviewing five candidates, prison staff have offered the open counselor position to their top pick.
Upper Allen Township open space referendum
Upper Allen Township will ask voters in November to approve a small earned income tax (0.05%) and property tax (0.2 mills) to fund farmland preservation, open space, and recreation land.
Letort Trail pavilion project support
South Middleton Township wants to build a 16x20-foot ADA-accessible pavilion at a new Letort Trail trailhead and asked the county for a support letter on its $8,798 grant request — approved unanimously.
Penn State Extension programs thriving in the county
4-H participation is steady, Master Gardener volunteers logged 6,877 hours worth $248,553, and extension educators made about 80 farm and garden site visits this year. Commissioners also heard worries about freeze damage to regional apple and peach crops.
Sheriff's Office Vehicle Replacements
Two aging sheriff's patrol cars that have become unreliable are being replaced with 2026 models at $68,542 each — paid for within the sheriff's existing budget.
Route 174 Roadside Market Expansion Support
The county sent a support letter backing the family-run market's state grant application to expand its butcher shop, cold storage and electrical systems. The market supports 40 local farms and small businesses.
Claremont Campus Wellness Trail
A 0.6-mile walking trail near the Claremont campus will give prison and public safety staff a place to decompress, passing a law enforcement memorial, rain garden and native plantings. Mostly grant- and trust-funded, with only a small possible general fund contingency.
End of January Disaster Emergency Declaration
The board formally ended the disaster emergency declared January 30, 2026, closing out emergency response authorities tied to the late-January event.
Office of Aging Relocation
The Office of Aging is leaving Claremont Road for 1615 Ritner Highway, closed the week of February 16 and reopening February 23 — seniors should plan ahead for services.
Trail Behind Public Safety Building Gets $40,000 Boost
A new trail will connect the law enforcement memorial, first responder memorial, and the nursing home behind the Public Safety building, with historical markers, benches, and native plantings. A $24-25K funding gap remains, which staff hope to close with another grant.
Recycling: Tire Collection and New Public Paper Shredding
Tire drop-offs return May 15 and September 18 at 15 cents a pound, and a brand-new public shredding event runs April 23 with the first 25 pounds free. The events also support mosquito-habitat reduction and Keep PA Beautiful requirements.
Weights and Measures fee increase (Resolution 2026-1)
Businesses that use commercial scales and measuring devices will pay higher inspection fees — the first increase since 2016. The program's fund balance had fallen to about $29,000 and the new fees should restore roughly $709,000 to keep inspections running.