If the commonwealth can’t provide county funding because of its budget impasse, then it won’t get the $4 million a month it’s due for fees collected by county officials. The Chester County Commissioners on Thursday halted any remittance to the state of funds collected at its row offices.

The move comes as an emergency safeguard for local citizens with support from locally elected row officers.

“In addition to the absolutely critical services county departments, agencies and vendors provide, we have a commitment to both our employees and our taxpayers, as an employer and as elected officials, to ‘keep the lights on’ and operate the county government in spite of the lack of state funding,” the commissioners said in a statement.

“Our commitment is clear, and our row office officials share that commitment and have partnered with us to take the necessary actions to withhold funds designated for remittance to the state. We appreciate the resolve shown in this cooperative spirit by our fellow elected county officials.”

The growing budget crisis, now in its sixth month, threatens the welfare of residents “who require county services, … especially those that are in dire need, such as children, senior citizens, the ‘at risk’ and those with disabilities. Clearly, we must take all appropriate actions to fund essential county services to those who most need them.”

In the meantime, Chester County Solicitor Thomas L. Whiteman, Esq., has been directed to “investigate any legal recourse the county may have against the Commonwealth for its failure to provide requisite county funding and any ramifications for utilizing retained funds for expenditures which would, at this point, be ‘emergency’ funding for critical essential services.”

Commissioners Terence Farrell, Kathi Cozzone and Michelle Kichline said they fully understand the significance of their pioneering action.

“It is by no accident that Chester County is the first county in Pennsylvania to initiate a strategic planning process, possesses three triple-A bond ratings and has been recognized as one of the best and healthiest places to live and raise a family in the United States.”

“This is another example of our proactive approach to addressing the challenges that we face and ensuring our citizens receive the programs and services they deserve.”