Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues with low priority
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.
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.
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.