Local Government Week Highlights County Government’s Role in Daily Life
News Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
This week acts as a time to encourage citizens to learn how local government affects each resident and business in the community.
Have you wondered who answers the phone when you call 9-1-1? Or runs elections? Or even who issues marriage licenses?
While state and federal government issues tend to dominate dinner table discussions these days, it’s county government that is involved in nearly every aspect of daily life.
April is National County Government Month, and Local Government Week in Pennsylvania runs from April 14-18, which acts as a time to honor the dedication of Pennsylvania's local officials and encourage citizens to learn how local government affects each resident and business in the community.
“This is a great time to reflect and appreciate how crucial county programs are to every resident, often in ways they don’t realize,” said CCAP Interim Executive Director John Buffone. “Whether it’s providing critical public safety services like 9-1-1 and emergency management, running elections, maintaining county bridges, providing crucial human services, or operating local courts and correctional facilities, counties are responsible for delivering a wide range of essential services. This is a great opportunity to highlight the importance of county programs.”
Additionally, April 13–19 also marks National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW), a time to recognize the vital work of county 9-1-1 telecommunicators and PSAP staff who provide life-saving assistance 24/7 to those in crisis. As we honor these frontline heroes, Pennsylvania counties are also focused on their top legislative priority: the reauthorization of the 9-1-1 surcharge. With the current surcharge set to expire in January 2025, immediate action is essential. Counties are advocating not only for reauthorization but also for an increase in the monthly rate from $1.95 to $2.20 to ensure sustainable funding for this essential emergency service.
“We are standing at a critical crossroads for one of the Commonwealth’s most essential public services,” said CCAP President and Indiana County Commissioner Sherene Hess. “Escalating costs, rapidly changing technology, and an urgent funding deadline are pushing our 9-1-1 systems to the brink. This is not a political issue—it’s a matter of public safety. When you call 9-1-1, no one asks about your party affiliation—they ask where to send help. We owe it to every resident and every first responder to ensure this lifeline remains strong, reliable, and is fully supported.”
Learn more about the responsibilities of county government.
While state and federal government issues tend to dominate dinner table discussions these days, it’s county government that is involved in nearly every aspect of daily life.
April is National County Government Month, and Local Government Week in Pennsylvania runs from April 14-18, which acts as a time to honor the dedication of Pennsylvania's local officials and encourage citizens to learn how local government affects each resident and business in the community.
“This is a great time to reflect and appreciate how crucial county programs are to every resident, often in ways they don’t realize,” said CCAP Interim Executive Director John Buffone. “Whether it’s providing critical public safety services like 9-1-1 and emergency management, running elections, maintaining county bridges, providing crucial human services, or operating local courts and correctional facilities, counties are responsible for delivering a wide range of essential services. This is a great opportunity to highlight the importance of county programs.”
Additionally, April 13–19 also marks National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW), a time to recognize the vital work of county 9-1-1 telecommunicators and PSAP staff who provide life-saving assistance 24/7 to those in crisis. As we honor these frontline heroes, Pennsylvania counties are also focused on their top legislative priority: the reauthorization of the 9-1-1 surcharge. With the current surcharge set to expire in January 2025, immediate action is essential. Counties are advocating not only for reauthorization but also for an increase in the monthly rate from $1.95 to $2.20 to ensure sustainable funding for this essential emergency service.
“We are standing at a critical crossroads for one of the Commonwealth’s most essential public services,” said CCAP President and Indiana County Commissioner Sherene Hess. “Escalating costs, rapidly changing technology, and an urgent funding deadline are pushing our 9-1-1 systems to the brink. This is not a political issue—it’s a matter of public safety. When you call 9-1-1, no one asks about your party affiliation—they ask where to send help. We owe it to every resident and every first responder to ensure this lifeline remains strong, reliable, and is fully supported.”
Learn more about the responsibilities of county government.