Source: The Pennsylvania Borough Handbook

Election to the governing body of any Pennsylvania municipality conveys a great deal of power and responsibility. This power is granted by various laws and codes vesting certain corporate and specific powers in council. Corporate powers legalize the action of the municipality and provide elected officials authority to act on behalf of the municipality.

The Borough Code enables council to function in the best interest of the borough. Specific powers provide authority to council to enact legislation covering governmental functions such as health, fire, police protection, and taxation. Specific powers granted to the borough are intended to provide council with the capability needed to legislate for the benefit of the municipality and its citizens.

Council is empowered to make and adopt all ordinances, bylaws, rules and regulations deemed necessary for the proper management and control of the borough in order to maintain good government and protect the safety and welfare of its citizens.

Borough Council is involved primarily in a legislative role. They may also act in an administrative, executive or supervisory role to a lesser extent. The legislative role is of primary importance because the actions taken by Council in deciding the laws governing the borough will affect not only the people within the borough, but those outside the borders as well.