County
Government
Our state is divided
into 67 counties. Each
county is an area of land
that is larger than a town
or city. Therefore, counties
are both geographical and
political in nature. They
serve as an intermediate
government between state
and local governments.
County government does
not have authority over
local municipalities. The
center of government at
the county level is called
the
county seat
. There are a number of county
buildings, such as a courthouse, located at the county
seat. Look at the county map on this page to locate
the county in which you live and its county seat.
There are different classes of counties depending
upon the population. A 1st class county has a
population around 1,500,000 or more people, while
an 8th class county has fewer than 20,000 residents.
With a population approximately 1,500,000 people,
Philadelphia County would be an example of a 1st
class county. With fewer than 5,000 residents, Forest
County would be an example of an 8th class county.
You can also see extremes in population density per
county in our state. Forest County is a very rural
county with a population density of 12 people per
squaremile. Philadelphia County is a very urban
county with the highest population density of more
than 10,000 people per squaremile.
Sixty of our counties have their citizens elect
three
commissioners
to run county government.
These elected officials serve the needs of local
citizens for four years. Then, they must be re-elected.
County commissioners perform legislative and
executive duties. Thismeans not only can they make
laws and policies that affect the county, they are
also responsible for making sure that these laws and
policies are carried out. Commissioners are
responsible for all services associated with county
government. The following chart describes some of
these county services.
Seven counties operate under a “home rule”
charter
formof government. These counties can
determine their own structure for local government.
Most choose to have a county executive, county council,
as well as other officials, all of whomare elected.
Pittsburgh is the only second
class city of its class in
Pennsylvania.
Our Local and County Governments
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• prepare a budget
• collect, spend, and audit tax monies
• fund the court system
• operate the prison system
• register voters and assure fair and accurate
elections
•maintain environmental protection
•maintain land use planning
• assure proper disposal of solid wastes
•maintain county bridges
• prepare for emergencies – floods, storms,
hazardousmaterial spills
• develop public welfare programs
•manage drug and alcohol programs
• providemental health services
•manage protective services for children
• provide services for senior citizens
• provide services for military veterans
Varied Tasks of County Commissioners
