DUBOIS – The City of DuBois and Sandy Township Consolidation Joint Board wrapped up 2024 on Wednesday.

During the board’s final meeting of the year, it addressed matters like the new city’s mayoral position and elected official pay.

City Mayor

In recent weeks, there has been an ongoing debate over the mayoral position in the new consolidated City of DuBois.

It remains unresolved, though there’s a possible resolution date of Jan. 6 when the board holds a special meeting.

Per City/Township Manager Ben Kafferlin, the board has two options: “The City Model” or “The Township Model.”

The city model has an elected mayor alongside six council members—or the current structure of the City of DuBois.

The township model has seven council members, and council appoints one as mayor like the township’s current structure.

The debate originated with questions over how to interpret the language of the consolidation petition.

And now, Kafferlin says there’s a “new wrinkle.”

According to Kafferlin, there have been some changes to Pennsylvania law that could make the decision for the board—something he’s investigating alongside legal counsel.

It was noted that the petition sought the creation of a “third-class city,” which normally proceeds with institution of “The City Model.”

However, the petition specified an “optional plan model,” and with changes to law since the consolidation vote, it may require the board to proceed with “The Township Model.”

Elected Official Pay

Meanwhile, the answer to the mayoral question also influences the salary paid to the future members of council and mayor.

Kafferlin said per his research and the new city’s size, the maximum amount he would recommended is $4,375, with no benefits.

The city currently pays $1,200 to council members and $2,400 to its mayor, which has been unchanged since the 1970’s.

Members of the township’s board of supervisors currently earn $3,600.

However, both City Mayor Pat Reasinger and Council Member Jennifer Jackson indicated that they are currently not accepting their offered salary.

There was also some discussion on whether the mayoral position should be paid more than that of a council member.