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Pennsylvania House of Representatives
05/19/2024 09:20 PM
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20230&cosponId=39722
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House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: February 6, 2023 04:45 PM
From: Representative Nick Pisciottano and Rep. Emily Kinkead
To: All House members
Subject: Voluntary Municipal Dissolution
 
Unfortunately, numerous municipalities throughout Pennsylvania are in financial distress due to population loss. Local governments dealing with shrinking tax bases are unable to provide high quality public services to their communities. Without these essential services, residents and businesses are deprived of basic public safety, adequate infrastructure, and economic opportunities. While the Commonwealth has long-established procedures for creating new municipalities, there is no pathway for disincorporation of a municipality. As an example, Allegheny County, with its 130 municipalities, has multiple communities struggling with these issues that would benefit from a path towards regional consolidation.
 
That is why we plan to introduce legislation to give distressed municipalities in second class counties the ability to voluntarily dissolve into unincorporated districts. The county would then take over services and taxing authority of those districts. This bill creates an option for small municipalities to pursue increased efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of public services. This legislation is limited to only second class counties and simply provides a legal process to aid small municipalities who are having trouble sustaining themselves. It is not compulsory in any manner. Additionally, disincorporation under this legislation requires widespread public input and agreement, as it needs approval by both county and municipal governing bodies as well as an affirmation by voters via referendum. 

By providing a pathway to disincorporation, we can provide options to small municipal governments looking towards the regionalization of public services. Please join us in co-sponsoring this legislation.


Introduced as HB968