Council places home-rule commission question on May 2026 primary ballot, urges public recruitment

Williamsport City Council voted Jan. 8 to place a home-rule commission question on the May 2026 primary ballot and to set the commission membership at seven, beginning the formal process for a possible home-rule charter review.

Council member Yoder explained the ordinance puts the question on the ballot and noted the commission members themselves would appear on the ballot at the same time; he urged public outreach and suggested a town-hall style information session to explain the process and encourage candidates. Council and staff discussed timing with county election officials and noted potential constraints if the city delayed beyond the current schedule.

Austin White (solicitor) and council members said technical questions about signature requirements and ballot-timing are best answered by the Board of Elections; Forrest Layman (director of elections) was specifically named as the county contact. A council member said he believed candidates would need to gather about 100 signatures to qualify, and staff urged interested residents to consult the elections office for exact requirements.

The ordinance passed 5-0. Council directed staff to prepare public-facing materials and to have Missus Frank serve as a point of contact for prospective commission applicants.