The main elected, appointed, and volunteer bodies are described below.

Elected Official - Board of Supervisors - Auditors - Tax Collector

Appointed - Planning Commission - Zoning Hearing Board - Solicitor - Engineer

Volunteer Positions - Fire Chief

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

The Board of Supervisors consists of three members. One member is elected, at large during each local election (every other year). The term of office is six years. The Chairmanship of the Board is voted on by the members and traditionally rotates every year. The authority of the Board is based upon the State's Second Class Township Code.

The Board of Supervisors is responsible for the appointment of the Township Secretary, and various boards and commissions. The Supervisors determine municipal policy (in concert with permissions of state law), the level of services provided to the citizens, adopt the budget, and set the municipal tax rate. The Board of Supervisors adopts the Comprehensive Plan, which determines community goals and objectives.

AUDITORS

The Board of Auditors consists of three members. One member is elected, at large during each local election (every other year). The term of office is six years. The elected Auditors are responsible for reviewing the financial records of the Township and reporting their findings to the State. The Township also undertakes an independent yearly audit of its financial records through a professional Certified Public Accountant firm.

TAX COLLECTOR

The Township Tax Collector is elected every four years. The Tax Collector is
responsible for the collection of real estate taxes within the township.

Real Estate address changes should be reported to the Tax Collector.
Per Capita Taxes - for occupational or address changes, please call Jan Knotts, 432-8691
Ext. 1109.

PLANNING COMMISSION

The Planning Commission is a five member advisory board to the Board of Supervisors. The members are appointed by the Board of Supervisors for terms of four years. Members must be residents of the Township.

The responsibilities of the Commission are outlined in the State's Municipalities Planning Code. Their tasks include reviewing and making recommendations on subdivision and land development plans, preparing and/or recommending ordinances regarding subdivision and land development, promoting interest in the comprehensive plan, preparing environmental studies, and other activities at the request of the Board of Supervisors.

The commission, in carrying out its responsibilities, may hold hearings and make site visits to properties being considered for development.

ZONING HEARING BOARD

Solicitor - William G. Baughman

The Zoning Hearing Board is a three member board appointed by the Board of Supervisors to hear appeals regarding the Zoning Ordinance. The term of office is three years. Members must be residents of the township. The requirement for a Zoning Hearing Board is embodied in the Municipalities Planning Code. The Board has the use of a solicitor and engineer to give them advice and guidance.
The primary purpose of the Board is to help assure fair and equitable application and administration of the Zoning Ordinance by hearing appeals on the Zoning Officer's decisions. The Zoning Hearing Board may grant relief from the literal enforcement of the ordinance in certain hardship situations. The Board has neither legislative nor enforcement power; it can't make or modify zoning policy. It is a quasi-judicial body: that is, its powers are to some extent judicial in nature. The Board schedules hearings on applications with finding of fact and conclusions of law. Its scope of activities is limited to those permitted by the Municipalities Planning Code and the Monaghan Township Zoning Ordinance.