Bradford Era – An aging population, shrinking tax base and rising costs are making it harder for municipal governments and emergency services in rural areas to operate.

At Monday’s Hamlin Township meeting, elected officials there and from Mount Jewett brought up a harsh reality — it may be time to think about merging the two municipalities into one.

“We opened up a discussion,” said supervisor Jim Trussell. “I think after a discussion, we’ll form an exploratory committee and figure out what the next step would be.”

It’s worth exploring, said Mount Jewett councilman Chuck Paar.

“This may not be a practical feasibility and it may not make good sense,” he said, but added “if you don’t look at it, you’ll never know. Maybe we ought to at least explore the potential to operate as a single unit.” Read more