Directory:West Chester, Pennsylvania

West Chester, Pennsylvania is a borough in Chester County, about 25 miles west of Philadelphia. It is the county seat.

The latitude of West Chester is approximately 39.96 North, and the longitude is about 75.60 West. The elevation of the county courthouse is 459 feet above sea level.

The estimated population, in 2003, was 17,722.

Government

West Chester is governed by Borough Council which consists of seven members representing each of the voting wards in the Borough. Council directs the activities of the Borough through the appointed Borough Manager, who in turn supervises all departments except the Police Department (the Mayor directs the activities of the Police Department through the Chief of Police). In order to provide continuity, the representatives from the even-numbered wards are elected at the same time, and representatives from the odd-numbered wards, plus the Mayor, are elected two years later. All serve four year terms, and are eligible for reelection once. On the first Monday of January in each even numbered year, Borough Council conducts a reorganization meeting where they elect a President and Vice President of Council.