On most weekends, Twelve Oaks Mansion is known as a place where couples gather to celebrate the start of a new life together. On Thursday night, the familiar wedding venue in Adams Township was filled for a different kind of union—one that could reshape local government for decades to come.
More than 280 residents RSVP’d for the first joint public meeting between Adams Township Supervisors and Mars Borough Council, signaling strong community interest in a proposed municipal merger that could reshape local governance, services, and taxes.
The meeting, held at Twelve Oaks Mansion, drew a full house—and then some. The parking lot reached capacity, and multiple Pittsburgh television stations, including KDKA, were on site covering the event.
The evening opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by introductions from Mars Mayor Gregg Hartung, who welcomed Mars Borough Council members, and Mike Tylka, Adams Township Manager, who introduced township supervisors and municipal staff.
Mars Borough Council President Mike Fleming offered brief opening remarks before turning the microphone over to Russ Ford, Chairman of the Adams Township Board of Supervisors, who led attendees through a detailed slide presentation outlining the rationale, timeline, and potential outcomes of a merger.
Why Now?
Ford described the evening as “a monumental night” and emphasized that the purpose of the meeting was informational—not promotional. He explained that early discussions between township and borough leadership began in November, initially centered on the future of the Mars Area Public Library.
Ultimately, officials concluded that a standalone library project would be difficult for both municipalities to sustain independently, particularly since Adams Township does not have jurisdiction within Mars Borough. That realization prompted a broader conversation: Why not explore becoming one community?
Key Takeaways from the Presentation
Several major points emerged as central themes during the presentation:
- The library will remain in downtown Mars.
This announcement drew applause from the audience. Ford said the proposed merger would allow both communities to move forward with plans for a new library at the former Mars Bank site, a property donated by Nextier Bank with an appraised value of $2.8 million. - Mars residents would see changes in taxes—both increases and decreases.
According to Adams Township officials, Mars residents would not see a property tax increase under a potential merger, citing Adams Township’s lower millage rates compared to those currently in place in Mars Borough.
Mars Borough Tax Collector Renea Pomeroy explained that many homeowners could instead see an overall annual tax decrease of approximately $150 to $240, depending on a property’s assessed value. The reduction would result from the lower township millage rate combined with the elimination of separate borough taxes for EMS, fire protection, and the library. However, individual outcomes may vary. - Expanded services for Mars residents.
Under a merger, Mars residents would gain 24/7 police coverage, expanded public works capacity, and more professionalized administrative, zoning, and code enforcement services. - Adams Township would gain a defined downtown.
Officials described the merger as an opportunity to strengthen and reinvest in downtown Mars, benefiting businesses, events, and long-term economic development. - No municipal debt on either side.
Both Mars Borough and Adams Township currently operate with zero debt, a point repeatedly emphasized as a reason the timing is right to explore consolidation.
Financial Efficiencies and Assets
Ford outlined how combining budgets could reduce administrative duplication while maintaining services. By aligning operations—such as audits, insurance, staffing, and purchasing—officials projected annual savings while still lowering certain taxes.
He also highlighted significant shared assets, including the Breakneck Creek Sewer Authority, jointly owned by Adams Township (65%) and Mars Borough (35%), which officials estimate is worth more than $100 million. A merged municipality could potentially access future dividends from the authority to support infrastructure improvements.
Questions from the Audience
During public comment, an Adams Township resident asked whether the township was considering building a recreation building. Ford responded that while such a facility could be considered in the future, it is not a current priority, noting that Adams Township has $5.5 million set aside to help move the new library project forward.
Other questions addressed topics including governance structure, employee retention, ordinances, emergency services, and the emotional importance of preserving Mars’ identity. Ford assured residents that the name “Mars” would not disappear and that no municipal employees would lose their jobs as a result of a merger.
Council President Fleming reiterated that the goal of the meeting was transparency.
“We are not trying to influence anybody,” Fleming said. “We are trying to provide information.”
What Comes Next
Officials outlined a multi-step process that includes additional public meetings, with the next scheduled for March 24, when representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) are expected to attend.
If both governing bodies ultimately approve a formal merger agreement, the question would appear on the November ballot, requiring approval from voters in both Mars Borough and Adams Township. If approved, the earliest possible effective date for a merger would be January 1, 2028.
For now, leaders emphasized that this was only the beginning of a longer public conversation—one they encouraged residents to continue participating in as more details are shared.