Adams Township Meets With HOA Leaders Ahead of Mars Merger Vote

ADAMS TWP. — Jack Urling generally supports the proposed merger of Adams Township and Mars Borough, but the Cobblestone Village homeowners association president wants a closer look at the financial figures before deciding how to vote Nov. 3.

Urling was among the HOA leaders who met with township officials Sept. 21 to discuss the proposal and how to share information with residents.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Russ Ford and Township Manager Mike Tylka discussed taxes, representation and plans for a new library in downtown Mars. HOA leaders also had opportunities to speak individually with township representatives.

“It’s important that we continue to be transparent, educational, and listening to the public,” Ford said.

HOA leaders from Field Lake Estate, Sunrise Acres, Seven Fields, John Quincy Adams, Adams Crossing, Courtyards at Apple Ridge, Treesdale, Pinnacle and Cobblestone Village attended the meeting, according to Ian Schauble’s account.

Ford asked whether the association leaders would encourage residents to display “Vote Yes on the Merger” signs. Some expressed concern that the signs could appear politically charged. Ford said they would help draw attention to the referendum.

Jack Urling, president of the Cobblestone Village HOA, said he generally supports combining small municipalities but wants to review more of the financial details before deciding how to vote. His community, off Three Degree Road, has 100 residential units.

“I support the merger generally, but I’m not sure about some of the information that we’ve been given,” Urling said after the meeting. “I need to see a little more on the financial bit.”

Urling, a former township commissioner and planning commission chairman in Hampden Township, Cumberland County, said he would like to examine the figures behind the presentation on Mars Borough’s finances. He also questioned whether the money set aside for a new library would be sufficient to build it.

He said the meeting raised “no red flags,” however. “I see nothing yet that would prevent me from voting yes on the merger,” he said.

At a July 28 public meeting, Ford directed residents interested in the financial details to slides from an earlier merger presentation and said officials had prepared spreadsheets.

Urling said he intends to look further into the figures and discuss the merger at an Oct. 3 Cobblestone Village board meeting. He said he would consult residents before deciding whether to place signs in the development’s common areas.

If voters approve the merger, the current Adams Township supervisors would govern the combined municipality when it takes effect Jan. 1, 2028. Mars Borough residents would participate in electing one supervisor in 2027 and could run for that seat. The winner would take office Jan. 1, 2028. Mars Borough’s mayor and council seats would end with 2027.

Ford told the HOA leaders that Adams Township has not raised its municipal tax rate since 1994 and said the merger would not cause an increase. He also estimated that a new downtown Mars library could be built in late 2028.

“They’re getting the information they need,” Tylka said of the HOA leaders. “I think that’s part of what we want with these HOA representatives. Let them know that we’re here to be a partner.”

Ford said officials would continue answering questions before the vote.

“We’re not looking to sell anyone; we’re just looking to put out the facts,” he said. “Now, some people will challenge the facts, and that’s okay. We’ll back up the facts.”

The referendum must receive majority support separately in Adams Township and Mars Borough for the merger to proceed.