Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in York County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues in taxes budget
York College education benefit for county employees
The county signed an MOU with York College of Pennsylvania giving employees and dependents undergraduate scholarships and graduate tuition discounts. It's an investment in the county's 2,200-plus workforce announced during National County Government Month.
County banking services move to First National Bank
The county picked FNB over Fulton Bank after an RFP process, expecting better rates for taxpayers. A commissioner and the treasurer pushed back, citing Fulton's service history and the heavy lift of transitioning accounts.
Retirement Fund performance and near-full funding
The county pension fund ended Q1 at $624 million and returned 14% in 2025, outperforming 85% of similar plans nationally. The adviser expects the county is close to fully funded — good news for taxpayers who backfill any shortfall.
Election integrity grant and equipment purchase
The county ratified a $1.64 million state election integrity grant and a $40,412 purchase of voting equipment supplies. That money supports election administration ahead of upcoming cycles.
Senior services funding for six providers
The county proclaimed May as Older Americans Month and committed to the second five-year cycle of Age Friendly York County, run by the Community Foundation and Planning Commission. With 126,000 residents over 60, the plan targets housing, transportation, dementia awareness, and social inclusion — improvements designed to work for an 8-year-old and an 80-year-old alike.
Energy savings contract for county facilities
The biggest expense approved: $4.09 million for ESCO Addendum 7 with McClure Company, an energy-savings upgrade for county buildings.
Human Services 2026-2027 Block Grant
About $18.8 million in block grant funding supports mental health, drug and alcohol, and human services programs; highlights include ten new disability waiver spots, the county's first 24/7 walk-in crisis clinic, and 6,380 Narcan units distributed. State budget flat-funding means growth will require creativity.
Fleet vehicle purchases under new RFP process
The county is switching to competitive bidding for all 2026 vehicle purchases, which officials expect will save money.
Countywide HR and payroll software overhaul
The county is spending over $1.1 million on new Paylocity software plus implementation services to modernize HR and payroll. It should streamline how county employees get paid and managed.
Teamsters Local 776 settlement
The county settled with Teamsters Local 776 for $200,000. The details of the underlying dispute weren't discussed publicly.
LERTA tax abatements for six York County properties
The board approved six 10-year property tax abatements under the LERTA program for commercial properties in York City and West York Borough, intended to encourage redevelopment.
Weekly disbursements of $6.46 million
The county paid out about $6.46 million in bills for the week of March 11 — the routine but significant flow of county money.
AFSCME collective bargaining agreement (2026–2029)
The county locked in a four-year contract with its largest union covering employees across many departments. Wages and working conditions are now set through the end of 2029, giving workers certainty and the county predictable labor costs.
Assessment Office modernization
The Assessment Office teamed up with Tyler Technologies to put property data online — fewer office visits, lower costs, and residents can check their own records anytime.
Proposed county telework policy
County caseworkers represented by SEIU Local 668 say the draft telework policy doesn't account for field work in clients' homes and could conflict with state regulations. They're asking commissioners to meet with the union before finalizing it.
State Food Purchase Program funding
The county is spending nearly $700,000 to stock local food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters through mid-2026. It's the largest single human services item on the agenda.
Employee mileage reimbursement increase
County workers who drive for work will get 72.5 cents per mile instead of 70 cents starting January 1, following the IRS rate.