Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB774

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/14/23
• Refer: 6/14/23
• Refer: 6/22/23
• Report Pass: 6/27/23
• Engrossed: 6/30/23
• Refer: 7/5/23

Caption

In city administrator, further providing for appointment of city administrator, for employment agreement, for residency and elective city office and for powers and duties; and, in accounts and finances, further providing for powers and duties of chief fiscal officer.

Impact

The implications of SB774 extend to enhancing the flexibility and governance capability of local governments in Pennsylvania. By permitting the appointment of non-residents, the bill aims to attract qualified candidates who may be better suited for the role based on qualifications rather than geographic location. However, the restriction against holding elective office by the city administrator maintains a barrier between administrative duties and political influence, which could help ensure a nonpartisan approach to municipal management. The bill could significantly streamline the hiring process and allow councils greater leeway in selecting leadership that best fits the needs of the city.

Summary

Senate Bill 774 (SB774) aims to amend Title 11 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically focusing on the roles and appointment processes of city administrators. This bill introduces changes that allow city councils to appoint individuals or entities, such as partnerships or professional corporations, as city administrators. Notably, it modifies the residency requirement, stipulating that the appointed city administrator does not need to be a city resident upon appointment but may reside outside the city only with council approval. It also emphasizes that a city administrator cannot hold any elective city office, reinforcing the principle of separation between civil service and elected positions.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment toward SB774 appears to be supportive, with legislators recognizing the necessity for competent administration in city governance without the confines of residency. However, there may be some concerns from local stakeholders about the ability of an appointed administrator, who does not live in the city, to fully understand and effectively represent the community's needs. The balance of local control and professional governance remains a key theme in discussions surrounding the bill.

Contention

A notable point of contention could arise from the lack of local residency among appointed administrators, as some community members may feel that a resident is better suited to understand the city’s unique challenges. Critics of non-residency could argue that the effectiveness of an administrator may diminish if they lack a personal stake in the local issues. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding accountability and community engagement when the appointed administrator does not live within the city, raising qualitative debates about the nature of local governance in Pennsylvania.