Consolidation crunch time nears

manager and other officials

Just over two weeks remain

with countywide responsibilities. before local leaders from

throughout Cameron County

They forecast that at least 30 will convene at the courthouse

government positions from to decide the fate of the sweep

throughout Cameron County local government changes that

could be eliminated, resulting some advocates say are the

in lower operating expenses only way the county can escape

and less burden on the taxpayers. financial disaster.

The consolidation dialogue

"It makes sense that all of us has been heating up in recent

working together, no longer weeks, setting the stage for the

having imaginary lines stopping July 30 showdown. That's

us, would serve residents when council members from

in a much more cost-efficient Emporium and Driftwood boroughs

manner," Commissioner will be joined by supervisors

Rodgers said. from the county's five

Kugler, a paid consultant townships to decide whether to

from Pa. Futures, said he believes put the issue before the voters

the new system of government in November.

would cost about

On Thursday, the Cameron

$500,000 less annually than the County Board of Commissioners

present county, borough and hosted an informal question

township structure. and answer session at

The July 30 meeting, which Emporium's Cabin Kitchen

starts at 6:30 p.m., is open to restaurant. Turnout was poor,

the public. Votes will be cast on with just four citizens joining

an agreement between the municipalities Commissioners Tony Moscato

and the county to let and Patrick Rodgers and Emporium

voters decide on the new form Mayor Bruno

of government, in the form of Carnovale at the meeting.

a Home Rule Charter.

A similar session will be

Once on the ballot, the referendum scheduled soon in Driftwood or

must be approved by a Sinnemahoning.

majority of voters in each municipality

Commissioners Moscato,

for the proposed Rodgers and Glen Fiebig support

change to take effect. The the plan to dissolve the

elected offices of county commissioner, borough and township governments

township supervisor, and replace them with a

tax collector, borough nine-member countywide

council member, mayor, tax council, as well as a county collector, county auditor, borough and township auditor and jury commissioner would all be eliminated.

Elected positions that would remain include: coroner, district attorney, prothonotary/ clerk of courts, register of wills/recorder of deeds, sheriff, and treasurer. Appointed positions would include: county manager, chief assessor, clerk for the governing body, police chief and director of public works.