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The borough council, the township commission (first class township) and the board of
supervisors (second class township) play the central role in their respective local governments. Their
general responsibilities are set forth in the appropriate Code.
Local government legislators combine many of the roles found in separate branches or levels
of the state and federal governments. The board or council serves as the legislative body of the
municipality, setting policy, enacting ordinances and resolutions, adopting budgets and levying taxes.
The local governing body may also perform executive functions such as formulating the budget,
enforcing ordinances, approving expenditures and hiring employees. Many townships and boroughs
have managers, and most others use the secretary for these general administrative purposes. In many
of these local governments local legislators also play a large role in administrative activities,
overseeing the day-to-day operation of their governments. 4
Because of the local legislator=s elected status, an individual in that position is often looked to
as a community leader. Certainly they are the proper recipients of complaints, ideas and suggestions
concerning municipal affairs. In many cases the individual is called upon to perform as a problem
solver, acting as an agent for citizens with municipal or even outside agencies. The board member or
council member has a role in representing the jurisdiction=s communal interests, past, present and
future. Although assisted by a paid administrator, final decisions must be made by elected officials.
Of the three classes of local governments, boroughs are the only ones with an elected
executive officerBthe mayor. This position is not permitted in either township class.
Borough mayors have very limited administrative powers, chiefly centered around
supervising the daily operations of the police department. This situation is in direct contrast to large
cities where mayors are the chief executives, responsible for operation of their city=s government.
The mayor has no other administrative responsibilities. She/he may veto ordinances, but this
veto may be overridden by a two-thirds vote of council. Possibly the main function vested in the
office is ceremonial in nature. 5
The mayor has no vote in council, except this official has the power to break tie votes to
enable the council to take action. Whenever any ordinance, resolution or motion put to council
results in a tie vote and prevents the council from taking action on a matter before it, the mayor may
cast the tie-breaking vote.
4 The Second Class Township Code allows supervisors to be employed by the township
as roadmasters, road superintendents or secretary-treasurer. The Borough and First Class
Township Codes do not authorize the employment of council members or commissions.
5
In townships this function is performed by the governing board chairperson.
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