Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Delaware County, Pennsylvania public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues with high priority
November 3 General Election Preparation
A commenter argued Pennsylvania's online mail ballot portal wrongly excludes active-duty military members and their families, and asked county election staff to acknowledge the problem and meet with him.
Regional Youth Detention Center Agreement
Since the county's juvenile detention center closed in 2021, judges who order a kid held have no guaranteed placement — staff literally call other counties hoping for a bed. Resolution 2026-01 would join a Berks County-led regional facility with eight dedicated beds for Delaware County. Council members debated whether the county's own Juvenile Detention Board of Managers still makes sense alongside a regional authority.
Crozer Hospital Closure Aftermath
A $250,000 grant application would help partners offer nurse-practitioner primary care to Chester residents left without a hospital. The county is just the money-handler, not the provider.
Federal housing and homelessness grants
The county is directing about $210,900 in state housing money to two nonprofits for rental help, furniture, and financial literacy classes — funds targeted at homeless and near-homeless residents.
Criminal justice and public safety funding
The council was scheduled to approve about $41,640 in federal grant money to buy body armor for officers in four Delaware County police departments — Chester City ($19,900), Darby Township ($9,480), Yeadon ($7,400), and Sharon Hill ($4,860). Departments must certify that officers are required to wear the armor while on patrol. It's a small budget item but directly touches officer safety in some of the county's busiest communities.
Sheriff's Office public safety drone program
The county will apply for a $50,000 grant to buy an American-made drone for the Sheriff's Office — used for search and rescue, warrant service, and situational awareness. Council supports it but worries the draft policy lets uses drift beyond what a sheriff's office is legally empowered (and insured) to do, and wants any drone policy subject to council approval before the purchase comes back.
Human Services Block Grant — $51.15M
The county will contract with Share Food Program for $928,194 in state food purchase funding — up from last year — as SNAP restrictions increase demand. Council asked whether outreach on changing eligibility rules is underway.