Borough manager positions are increasingly difficult to fill – especially with candidates who have the breadth and depth of experience, skills and credentials needed for the role.
It’s a challenge that has plagued boroughs and other municipalities for years. And now, thanks to a newly enacted state law, boroughs are getting some much-needed help that not only addresses the hiring challenges but also ensures that the managers are highly skilled and experienced.
Act 110 of 2024 was signed into law on October 16, 2024, bringing a much-needed solution to the hiring challenges faced by boroughs. Sponsored by state Sen. Carolyn T. Comitta and supported by the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, the new law gives boroughs broader discretion for filling the manager role. Specifically, it allows a borough to appoint an individual, partnership, limited partnership, association, or professional corporation as the borough manager.
This change opens up new possibilities for municipalities. It also allows the borough manager to provide services under an employment agreement or professional services agreement. This provision clarifies that a borough manager and any officer and/or employee directly providing services pursuant to a professional services agreement are considered 'public officials' under the law (65 Pa.C.S. § 1103) as it relates to restricted activities.
So just what does this mean, and how does it help those municipalities that are having a difficult time finding and affording a qualified manager to guide and provide excellence in local government? The Act offers a cost-effective solution to this perennial problem. What if you could have a group of individuals who have experience and are highly skilled in the multifaceted requirements of local government, and they not only manage your municipality but others as well? This sharing of services could allow them to offer this professional service at a reduced cost with an increased level of expertise for your citizens.
The team at Keystone Municipal Solutions offers a range of expertise and experience in municipal management is stands ready to help your municipality tackle its challenges and pave the way for a brighter future. Our team has experience in legal, budget and finance, operations and municipal management. Now is the time to “fire this thing up,” and reach out to KMS to learn how a professional team can manage your municipality.
About the Author
David L. Anthony is a member of the Keystone Municipal Solutions team of experts. He is a veteran of municipal government, having served more than 33 years in various positions of public service. Contact him at david@keystonemunicipalsolutions.com. To learn more about David and the Keystone Municipal Solutions team, click here.
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