About the Study

Understanding Our Government

Why a Government Study?

Out of all 1,456 Pennsylvania second-class townships, Millcreek has the second largest population. Of the 25 most populous of these townships, only Millcreek does not employ a professional manager and has elected Supervisors who are paid township employees.

This structure raises important questions:

  • Does our current governance model meet the fast-changing demands of the 21st century?
  • Are we providing the best fiscal stewardship, accountability, and transparency?

Be an Informed Voter

About Content intro

Process:

  1. Ballot Question: Millcreek residents will vote on whether to elect a Government Study Commission of Seven members.
  2. Research & Public Meetings: The commission will gather data, compare governance models, and host public meetings for community input.
  3. Final Report: The commission will publish a detailed report with findings and recommendations. Any suggested changes will be placed on the ballot for a community vote.

Our study aims to answer these questions by:

  • Conducting a thorough, examination of our current form of government.
  • Comparing it with other successful models in similar townships.
  • Engaging the community through public meetings and input sessions.

Historical Context

The only government study conducted was in 2012 and did not fully research the issues. Much has changed in 12 years.

"Millcreek Study Commission Ignores Voters" Erie Times News, 2/13/12
"Millcreek Study Lacks Depth, Detail" Erie Times News, 9/7/12

 

Form of Government of the 25 Most Populous Pennsylvania Second Class Townships

Are we providing the best possible fiscal stewardship, accountability and transparency compared to other large townships.

Township Population County Form of Government
Bensalem 62,707 Bucks Mayor, 5 non-employee Council
Millcreek 54,073 Erie 3 supervisors as paid employees
Lower Paxton 53,501 Dauphin Manager, 5 non-employee supervisors
Middletown 46,040 Bucks Manager, 5 non-employee supervisors
Hempfield 41,466 Westmoreland Manager, 5 non-employee supervisors
Falls 34,716 Bucks Manager, 5 non-employee supervisors
Upper Merion 33,613 Montgomery Manager, 5 non-employee supervisors
Warminster 33,603 Bucks Manager, 5 non-employee supervisors
Lower Makefield 33,180 Bucks Manager, 5 non-employee supervisors
Cranberry 33,096 Butler Manager, 5 non-employee supervisors
Tredyffrin 31,927 Chester Home Rule Charter, Manager, 7 non-employee supervisors
Spring 28,407 Berks Manager, 5 non-employee supervisors
Moon 27,240 Allegheny Manager, 5 non-employee supervisors
Springettsbury 27,058 York Manager, 5 non-employee supervisors
Horsham 26,584 Montgomery Manager, 5 non-employee council
Upper Macungie 26,377 Lehigh Manager, 3 non-employee supervisors
East Hempfield 26,304 Lancaster Manager, 5 non-employee supervisors
Montgomery 25,862 Montgomery Manager, 5 non-employee supervisors
Warrington 25,639 Bucks Manager, 5 non-employee supervisors
Lower Providence 25,625 Montgomery Manager, 5 non-employee supervisors
Exeter 25,466 Berks Manager, 5 non-employee supervisors
Derry 24,715 Dauphin Manager, 5 non-employee supervisors
Upper Providence 24,091 Montgomery Home Rule charter, manager, 5 non-employee council
West Goshen 23,040 Chester Manager, 5 non-employee supervisors
Peters 22,946 Washington Home Rule charter, Manager, 7 non-employee council