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Williamsport council authorizes city support for Home Rule Commission
Summary
Council approved using city resources to support a newly elected Government Study Commission that will examine home rule and potentially draft a home‑rule charter; the commission will seek a consultant (90% state-funded) and was encouraged to consider independent legal counsel.
Williamsport — The city council authorized use of budgeted funds and municipal support for the Government Study Commission that will study home rule and consider whether the city should adopt a home‑rule charter.
What council approved: Councilwoman Mey presented the resolution to allocate certain city resources — including limited legal and streaming support — to the commission while commissioners pursue a consultant. The commission was elected May 19 and is expected to select a consultant in mid‑June; commissioners told council the consultant cost will be mostly state‑funded (staff indicated about 90% state match).
Advice from council: Councilmember Dr. Adam Yoder, while supporting the commission’s launch, recommended the body consider engaging independent legal counsel in addition to any city‑provided legal advice so the commission can receive separate legal analysis where needed.
Process and schedule: The commission has scheduled regular meetings through July and will track its expenses separately from general city operations; council approved the requested resource sharing with the understanding that costs will be documented and that the commission may choose to procure additional independent counsel.
Outcome: Council approved the resolution; staff to post the commission’s budget and consultant selection once finalized.
Next steps: Commission to meet June 18 to select a consultant, then continue public meetings on a roughly bi‑weekly schedule.
