Claysville, Donegal to consider joint agreement
Claysville Borough and Donegal Township officials are considering an intergovernmental cooperation agreement that would establish a joint planning committee for the two municipalities.
Claysville Borough will vote on the agreement at its next regular meeting 7 p.m. April 7, and Donegal Township plans to adopt the ordinance at a meeting 7 p.m. April 9.
The municipalities already adopted a comprehensive plan stating their objectives for future development. According to their vision statement, Claysville and Donegal hope to “encourage productivity and growth via tourism along the Interstate 70 corridor, eliminate vacancy issues in the village of West Alexander and Claysville, and capitalize upon rich recreational assets and natural features to provide sustainability for families both economically and environmentally.”
Josh Carroll, Claysville solicitor, said the agreement would help both municipalities secure grants because a larger population would be affected. He said the two municipalities also share a sewer and water authority, so the agreement would establish a collaborative effort.
“It’s comprehensive, so it really deals with zoning and expansion, it deals with watershed, it deals with sewer and water services, and to a certain extent it can deal with fire and municipal services,” Carroll said.
He said the agreement also would cut expenses for both municipalities.
After both municipalities approve the agreement, a joint planning committee would be created to update the comprehensive plan as needed. Donegal would appoint three members, and Claysville would appoint two members. At least one planning commission member must be appointed from each municipality.