Williamsport residents are set to cast their votes on a significant proposal that could redefine their city’s governance structure. The upcoming vote concerns the formation of a seven-member commission tasked with examining the possibility of adopting home rule for the city.
Should the proposal pass, the newly formed commission would have nine months to formulate recommendations, which would eventually be put before the public for a decision in 2027.
All registered voters in Williamsport, irrespective of political affiliation, are eligible to participate in this decision.
Proponents of home rule argue that it would provide Williamsport with more autonomy over local matters, including zoning, taxation, and public services. This approach comes at a time when the city faces financial difficulties and mounting annual deficits.
Importantly, the vote is solely to determine whether the study commission should be established. “If you vote yes, we do the study. It’s at no cost,” stated J. David Smith, a former city and Lycoming County solicitor, now seeking a spot on the commission.
The commission’s study would be conducted with the aid of a consultant funded by a state grant, as detailed on the Williamsport Home Rule website.
“If you don’t like the study and its recommendations, you come back to the polls [in 2027] and you say no, and nothing’s been lost,” Smith explained to WVIA News.
Understanding Home Rule
Home rule enables municipalities to exercise powers exceeding those typically allowed under state law. It provides the ability to set property and personal income tax rates higher than state law might permit.
WHO IS RUNNING TO SERVE ON THE COMMISSION?
The seven candidates’ biographies are available on the Williamsport Home Rule website. Briefly, they are:
● Brianna Stetts
● Andrew Dincher
● Dante Miele-Elion
● Valerie Fessler
● Liz Miele
● Caroline Payne
● David Smith
The home rule framework would allow for modifications to the local government’s structure, such as the number of council members and whether the city retains a mayor or opts for a different executive format like a city manager.
This system empowers communities to create their own charter or “local constitution.” “The basic concept of home rule is relatively simple. The basic authority to act in municipal affairs is transferred from state law, as set forth by the General Assembly, to a local charter, adopted and amended by the voters,” according to the state Department of Economic and Community Affairs (DCED).
In Williamsport’s case, the City Council passed a resolution in December 2025 to include the study commission vote in this month’s primary ballot.
“I think it’s important to note that when we voted on getting this on the ballot, it was a 7-0 vote,” City Councilman Jonah Milliken mentioned. “This is a non-partisan thing,” he added, emphasizing the council’s bipartisan makeup.
Williamsport’s Financial Landscape
The city has been advised by DCED and Philadelphia-based Public Financial Management (PFM) to consider transitioning to Home Rule as a means to bolster financial stability and reduce reliance on property taxes. This recommendation is part of a larger strategy following Williamsport’s request for technical assistance under the state’s Strategic Management Planning Program.
PFM’s financial plan for the city predicts that without changes, Williamsport’s annual deficit could reach $6.4 million by 2030.
PFM identified several trends impacting the city’s finances, including stagnant property tax revenues, the cessation of federal ARPA funding for operations, and rising personnel costs, which comprise a large portion of the city’s budget.
City Councilman Milliken emphasized that without home rule, the city’s only option to increase revenue is through property tax hikes. Home rule could provide alternative revenue options.
Mayor Derek Slaughter, while supportive of financial flexibility through home rule, cautioned that this is not a panacea. “Even if home rule does pass, it’s not like that’s the magic button that’s going to fix everything,” he said.
Precedents and Potential Outcomes
More than 80 municipalities in Pennsylvania, including several nearby cities, have adopted home rule charters, demonstrating diverse applications of this governance model.
If the commission is rejected, the plan halts, and the city must explore other financial strategies. A rejection also means the city cannot revisit home rule for another five years, according to Smith.
