CLEARFIELD – A special meeting of the Clearfield County Commissioners was held Wednesday to consider a proposed modification of the county’s boundary.
The commissioners voted, 3-0, to approve the proposed boundary modification so that a very small, triangular portion of Falls Creek Borough that lies within Clearfield County may be united and form one municipality entirely within Jefferson County.
A very small percentage (approximately 40 Falls Creek Borough citizens) currently resides in Clearfield County, according to Commissioner Chairman Dave Glass.
The commissioners collectively believe it just makes more sense for the borough to be united rather than divided between the two counties, as it would result in more government efficiency rather than continued inefficiency.
Additionally the boundary modification would be a simple process as it doesn’t change the perimeter of Falls Creek Borough, itself, at all.
Glass said the only real change—as Commissioner Tim Winters has stated previously—would be that this small number of Falls Creek residents would go to bed one night in Clearfield County and wake up the next morning in Jefferson County.
Their borough tax wouldn’t change and their school tax wouldn’t change. Their county tax may change, but it would be relatively minor and Jefferson County’s tax assessment office would work with residents on a case by case basis, he said.
The affected residents would also vote in Jefferson County’s Falls Creek precinct.
The financial impact on Clearfield County would be relatively minor as well.
“Nothing [of significance] would really change … we’re trying to move some signs down the road,” Glass said, emphasizing “we are doing this because it’s what is best for the people.
“We are trying to unify the borough of Falls Creek.”
The Jefferson County Commissioners will vote on the proposed boundary modification Thursday.
If approved by both counties, it would take effect Jan. 1, 2025.