Three sets of bills in the Pennsylvania legislature would amend the governing laws for boroughs, second class townships and third class cities to allow the local governments to hire professional firms as municipal managers. First class townships have had the option since 2020. Under current law, Pennsylvania municipalities can only appoint individuals as managers. Proponents of the change say it could improve local government services while saving taxpayers money. The proposed change could give local governments the option to contract with a professional management firm on a part-time basis, which could balance the cost and needs of a given community, said George Dougherty, a professor and public policy expert at the University of Pittsburgh. It’s also possible that several municipalities could share services from one company, creating a regional relationship. Read more here.
Source: Spotlight PA; 8/21/2023