Bill > SB632

This bill provides a comprehensive framework for the voluntary dissolution of small municipal corporations (cities, boroughs, towns, or townships with 10,000 or fewer residents) located entirely within a second-class county. The bill allows a municipal corporation's governing body to initiate a process where residents can vote to dissolve their existing local government and have the county assume responsibility for governance and public services through the creation of an "unincorporated district." The dissolution process involves several key steps: the municipal corporation's governing body must first pass a resolution of preliminary interest, then work with the county to develop a detailed essential services transition plan, hold public hearings, and ultimately conduct a referendum where residents vote on whether to dissolve the municipality. If approved, the municipal corporation would be dissolved 180 days after the referendum, with all municipal assets, debts, and responsibilities transferred to the county. The bill establishes a district advisory committee of three local residents to provide input on district governance, ensures continuity of existing services and ordinances, and allows for future potential merger, consolidation, or reincorporation of the district. The legislation aims to provide a legal mechanism for smaller municipalities to restructure their governance if they believe county administration would be more efficient and effective.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=632