Washington County to consider home rule

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

A bi-partisan move by two Washington County commissioners will let the voters decide in November if they want a study to consider changing the county’s current government structure.

In a 2-1 vote during a special meeting Thursday, Board of Commissioners President Diana Irey Vaughan, a Republican, and Vice President Larry Maggi, a Democrat, voted to pass an ordinance placing the following question on the Nov. 2 election ballot: “Shall a government study commission of 11 members be elected to study the existing form of government of Washington County; to consider the advisability of the adoption of an optional form of  government or home rule charter; to recommend the adoption of an optional form of government, or to draft and recommend a home rule charter?”

Commissioner Nick Sherman voted against it.

Washington County operates under a board of commissioners. It also has publicly elected row office holders.

Irey Vaughan said there has been some confusion among constituents.

She said the vote Thursday would not immediately result in a study commission being created, and that voters will have a chance during the Nov. 2 election to offer one of two answers: “Yes, we’d like a study,” or “No, we don’t want a study.”

Irey Vaughan said “anyone wishing to serve on a potential government study commission may circulate nomination papers.”

“Individuals who meet the qualifications to serve will also be placed on the Nov. 2 ballot, allowing voters to choose the government study (commission) they want,” she said.

The commissioners heard public comments from dozens of county residents — some in person and some submitted via email and read into the record by Chief Clerk Cindy Griffin.

The board also heard from elected row office holders, Register of Wills/Clerk of Orphans’ Court James Roman, Clerk of Courts Brenda Davis and Prothonotary Laura Hough, who — among other commenters — each said they opposed the ordinance being passed and want to have more dialogue with commissioners.

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