Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tioga County, Pennsylvania public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
16 issues with high priority
Adoption needs in Tioga County
Nine kids found adoptive homes this year, but 20 children are still waiting — seven without an identified family. Commissioners urged more families to consider fostering or adoption.
Aspen Street Bridge repairs
The county is going after up to $3 million from PennDOT to fund a bundle of bridge repair projects rather than a single one, which officials said gives more impact and drew enthusiasm from PennDOT's secretary.
Data center development questions (LERTA, geothermal, power)
No data center land has been bought yet, but offers have been made. Commissioners defended their ordinance (1,000-foot setbacks, 57-decibel noise cap), explained county zoning limits, and are pushing towns to negotiate community benefits agreements covering fire service, roads, and tax appeals.
November general election deadlines
Register by October 19; mail-in/absentee ballot applications close October 27. The county also honored residents who've voted in 50 consecutive general elections.
Nelson Township water system upgrade
This year's ~$250,000 CDBG entitlement money would replace two 45-year-old generators and upgrade filtration at Nelson Township's water treatment plant, which barely kept up during Debby flooding.
Crary Hose new fire station out of the floodplain
The county signed a commitment letter for a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant to buy out or relocate Potter Brook properties flooded twice in two years, with up to seven inches of rain reported in the drainage. Commissioners said getting people out of the floodplain is the priority.
PEMA 911 interconnectivity funding
Nearly $1 million from PEMA will upgrade regional 911 consoles, reimburse required landlines, and support Next Gen 911 GIS maintenance.
Food insecurity in Tioga County
One in seven county residents — and one in four children — is food insecure, and food costs are up more than 33% since 2019. The county proclaimed Hunger Action Month and works with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
School resource officers in Southern Tioga schools
A new agreement puts sheriff's deputies in Southern Tioga School District schools, with the district footing the bill. Commissioners called it a must for student safety and a boost for deputy retention.
Hazardous materials cost recovery ordinance
Facilities storing hazardous chemicals will now pay $75 instead of $50 per chemical — a fee set in 1991. The money funds LEPC purchases like CO monitors for EMS and foam suppression for fire departments.
Southern Tioga School District SRO request
The district formally asked the county for three full-time sheriff's deputies as school resource officers for the 2026-27 school year, with a Memorandum of Understanding attached. Commissioners tabled it to talk with the Sheriff about staffing and cost sharing, with the district hoping for placement by around August 1.
Data center development and public education
Since a developer first asked about the county's data center ordinance last August, the planning office has built safeguards and is hosting a June 23 public session to correct misinformation, explain who has approval authority, and encourage residents to engage their municipalities.
CCAP 2026 priorities: 911, mental health, reassessments
Resolution R-8-26 backs a statewide push to raise the 911 surcharge (Tioga County covers 40% of its 911 costs), boost county mental health base funding, and fix Pennsylvania's property reassessment system.
$250,000 Act 13 grant program for fire and EMS
Volunteer fire departments and ambulance crews across the county are short on people and money — some calls even go unanswered. This gas-impact money funds gear, training, and recruitment for all 25 departments, with the LEPC reviewing applications.
Hamilton Township water line replacement
The county got a partial CDBG award to fix Hamilton Township's leaking water lines and is applying for competitive CDBG funds to finish the whole system, which loses a lot of treated water. Total project is just under $500,000.
Liberty Borough dangerous building
A former Methodist church converted to a residence is within 20-30 feet of collapsing onto a neighbor's home; the uninsured owner can't pay to demolish it. Bids run $20,795.70 to $67,000, and an IRS lien complicates county recovery of costs. The board will consult its solicitor.