West Middlesex, Shenango Twp. consider merger

The merger would take place in 2012.

STAFF REPORT

WEST MIDDLESEX, Pa. — West Middlesex and Shenango Township are in trouble with aging and declining populations, but they’re ideally positioned for growth, says a consultant on a possible merger of the two.

Close to 100 people heard a presentation on what would happen if the borough and township merged. It was the first of three public hearings set before voters in both communities decide the issue at the polls Nov. 4.

Alan Kugler, a consultant with PA Futures of Erie, said it’s up to residents to decide if the borough and township, which share the same school district, are one community divided by two governments, or two communities that are better off served by two governments.

Either way, he said, the governments have to work together to make the community a place that’s attractive to younger people and to businesses.

If the merger is approved, it will take place in 2012. The new township’s name would be West Middlesex, Kugler said.

Under a joint agreement, a new board of supervisors would include five members, like the present township’s. They would be elected in 2011.

A transitional committee, made up of nine members from both communities, would help with the transition to one community beginning in 2009. It would help with a new budget for 2012, Kugler said.

Taxes would not rise because of the new government, Kugler said. He said an analysis shows the new township’s tax millage would be 8, the same as Shenango’s is now. The borough’s tax rate is now 26 mills.

A difference in income and expenses between the combined present governments and the new government is $124,000, showing that expenses would be reduced, he said.

Kugler said there is “indeed a crisis” in the communities now. Census data show the borough’s population has fallen from 982 in 1990 to 924 in 2000, and the township’s from 4,339 to 4,037. He said other communities in the state have stable or rising populations.

“This is a wake-up call,” he said. “This is scary.”

He also said the communities’ median age is increasing at a rate that exceeds the state’s and the nation’s.

On the plus side, he said, the nearness of Interstate 80 and Route 60 could attract growth and development.

The mention of I-80 seemed to strike a nerve with residents, as more than one questioned how much development could be attracted if the state goes through with a proposal to put toll booths on the road.

Kugler said tolls on the road wouldn’t affect the merger, but might affect attracting businesses. “Get that stopped if you possibly can,” he said.

Bryan Harmon of Shenango said he doesn’t believe the area will see any change unless a ramp is built from I-80 onto state Route 18.

Bobbie Hunt, who lives in Shenango, said growth is a complicated process.

“A good infrastructure, a good government, good schools, then you attract residents, which attracts income, which attracts businesses ... it’s a combination of things,” she said.

More public meetings are set for 7 p.m. Sept. 30 and Oct. 29 at the West Middlesex High School commons area.

For more details on Kugler’s analysis, go to www.mcrpc.com and click on Shenango-West Middlesex Single Government Vote.