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Supervisors skeptical of regional revenue study; Harris unlikely to join Allegheny Strategy Partners proposal now
Summary
Staff presented a six‑month, $30,000 regional revenue study from Allegheny Strategy Partners; Harris Township’s proposed share would be $1,200. Supervisors and local business owners raised doubts—especially about alcohol‑related fees and whether benefits would flow to the township—so the board did not commit to participate.
At the Feb. 9 meeting, staff briefed supervisors on a proposed six‑month planning effort from Allegheny Strategy Partners (ASP) to analyze local revenue options tied to high visitation in the Center Region and recommend targeted legislation or policy options. ASP proposed a $30,000 work plan; Harris Township’s share if all five municipalities participate would be $1,200.
The briefing emphasized data collection, stakeholder engagement and a final regional policy framework that could lead to narrowly targeted legislation for the Center Region. "If all 5 were to participate, the township's financial commitment for the 6 month effort would be $1,200. The total cost is 30,000," staff said.
Multiple supervisors and a local business owner expressed skepticism. Concerns included: the political difficulty of alcohol‑related fees (one business owner noted statewide opposition from industry lobby groups), limited direct benefit for a township with few alcohol‑serving establishments, potential for targeting small businesses, and the risk that the initial study would lead to repeated requests for more money.
Several supervisors suggested alternative priorities such as lobbying for changes to earned‑income or reassessment rules that could return more stable authority or revenue to second‑class townships. Staff said the ASP plan is exploratory and that municipalities can opt to wait for results from other partners before committing.
There was no motion to fund the proposal at the meeting; staff interpreted the discussion as a lack of current interest and will report back as other municipalities weigh participation.
