County’s emergency radio system closer to overhaul
Commissioners authorize finalizing of $42.1 million contract
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
County Commissioners Terence Farrell (from left), Ryan Costello, and Kathi Cozzone authorized the completion of a $42.1 million contract to replace the county’s emergency radio system. It is expected to be signed at the commissioners’ Feb. 14 meeting.
As expected at Thursday’s...
County commissioners continue collegial, bipartisan trend
Minority commissioner reelected as vice-chair of three-member board
At Wednesday’s reorganization meeting, the county commissioners approved the nominations of Terence Farrell (center) for Ryan Costello (right) as chairman, and Kathi Cozzone (left) as vice-chair.
During a reorganization meeting on Wednesday, the Chester County Commissioners voted unanimously on 2013 leadership, continuing a bipartisan...
County poised to hike taxes for 1st time in 5 years
Increase is needed to maintain valued services, commissioners said
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
County Commissioners Ryan Costello (from left), Terence Farrell and Kathi Cozzone will vote on the proposed 2013 budget on Dec. 13.
The Chester County Commissioners held a meeting Tuesday night to elicit comment on the preliminary 2013 budget. Even though the blueprint contains...
EMS paging switched to new $3.5 million system
Commissioners say changeover will improve efficiency and meet federal mandate
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
The new pagers are similar in appearance to the old ones, but the reduced bandwidth of the system should improve efficiency, county officials said.
A new $3.5 million emergency-services paging system became operational Tuesday morning – an advance that improves communications...
County chosen for human-services funding program
Selection will provide flexibility in allocating resources, officials said
County Commissioners Kathi Cozzone (from left), Terence Farell, and Ryan Costello applaud the county’s selection for a state block-grant program.
Chester County was one of 20 counties selected by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare to participate in the Human Services Block Grant program, county officials said...
Rewarding military service with price breaks
New Veterans ID & Discount Program to launch in county on Friday
Many areas businesses are not waiting for Veterans Day to thank the men and women who have served in the military. From dining to dentistry, car repair to chiropractic care, a host of vendors are participating in a new program for veterans.
On Friday, Chester County Recorder of Deeds Rick Loughery, whose office manages DD-214 military...
Feds deem county ready to handle disaster
For second year in row, county gets perfect score on readiness assessment
The Center for Disease Control’s Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) has large quantities of medicine and medical supplies to protect the American public if there is a public health emergency (terrorist attack, flu outbreak, earthquake) severe enough to cause local supplies to run out.
Just in time for National Preparedness...
County gets boost from bond-rating giants
Maintaining its AAA status will translate into lower borrowing costs
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
Barry Seymour (left), executive director of DVRPC, congratulates Chester County Commissioners’ Chairman Terence Farrell on his election to the DVRPC chairmanship.
The three major bond-rating firms reaffirmed Chester County’s AAA status – an assessment deemed...
Will commissioners’ 9-1-1 fee plan flatline?
Municipal officials balk at sharing costs for county-controlled services
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The CoatesvilleTimes.com
WEST CHESTER — A proposal to apply a tourniquet of sorts to the county’s hemorrhaging 9-1-1 costs has generated cries of anguish from some municipal officials, prompting the Chester County commissioners to delay a vote.
In an effort to defray about $2.6 million...
Strong support continues for Pocopson Home
Residents urge commissioners not to sell or lease the county facility
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, CoatesvilleTimes.com
Commissioner Ryan Costello chats with members of the audience before the start of last night's meeting. At right is Mark Rupsis, the county's chief operating officer.
The message from the commissioners at last night’s third meeting on the fate of the county-owned...
