Mill Creek voters will decide whether to create a government review committee.
Millcreek Township supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance Tuesday that would allow for a Nov. 5 referendum on the issue.
The question on the ballot will read, “Should a seven-member government inquiry committee be elected to examine the municipality's present form of government, to consider the propriety of adopting a voluntary form of government, and to recommend whether a voluntary plan of government should be adopted?”
Residents will also vote on Nov. 5 to select members of the search committee, who would take office if the committee is approved by a majority of voters.
The referendum was approved at the urging of a group of concerned citizens who questioned whether the town's current form of government best meets the needs of the 21st century, or whether a different form of government would better serve the town.
Mill Creek's three elected supervisors are full-time employees who manage the town's operations. Other options include government by mayor and council, or government by a professional manager and non-employee supervisors.
Resident Jerry Servidio had asked for an ordinance to be introduced authorizing the November ballot question.
“I don't think there's anybody here who is opposed to an investigation. I'm opposed to the way that it's been rushed,” Servidio told supervisors on Tuesday. “There's been no transparency, no disclosure. There's been no educating the public.”
Servidio also questioned the potential costs of a government investigation.
The town acted quickly and was able to place the issue on this fall's ballot without residents having to gather petition signatures, which is required for a referendum, Town Manager Kim Clear said.
Clear said the town will provide information on its website to educate residents about the ballot issue ahead of the November vote, as well as information about the types of government the town may have available and the potential costs of the study.
“We're going to do everything we can to get the information,” Clear said.
If a government study committee were established, it would recommend whether the current form of government should be continued or replaced by another form of government.
Voters then decide whether to approve or reject the recommendation.
Mill Creek home rule?Residents who support a government investigation say it could mean higher taxes.
Contact Valerie Myers at vmyers@timesnews.com.
