Harris Township unanimously adopts ordinance to adjust Center Region library board seat after Half Moon withdrawal

Harris Township supervisors voted unanimously July 8 to adopt Ordinance 3‑67, amending the Center Region library joint articles of agreement to reflect Half Moon Township’s withdrawal and to allocate the ninth seat on the regional library board on an alternating three‑year basis between College Township and Harris Township.

The board opened the meeting with a public hearing at which staff read the proposed changes and explained the background: the March joint articles govern appointments, duties and the relationship between the library and the Center Region Council of Governments. Staff said Half Moon Township had issued written notice under section 7.2 of the joint agreement of its intent to withdraw in 2024, prompting the executive committee and general forum to recommend a two‑section amendment that removes Half Moon Township from Section 3.2 and replaces Section 3.3 with a provision for the alternating ninth seat.

During the hearing and subsequent vote the board heard no public speakers. After the hearing the board moved to adopt the ordinance. A supervisor who participated in developing the proposal noted many of the suggested changes came from Eric Thompson and that staff had coordinated with library officials; the motion to adopt was moved, seconded and approved without opposition.

The amendment specifies College Township will appoint a member to a three‑year term effective Jan. 1, 2025, with Harris Township appointing the next three‑year term beginning Jan. 1, 2028. The shared ninth seat will continue on alternating three‑year terms until another township joins the library program, at which point assignment would change at the end of the incumbent’s term.

The ordinance takes effect immediately upon adoption per the board’s motion. The board did not record any conditions beyond those described in the amended articles of agreement.