Boards, Authorities & Commissions

Last Updated: June 5, 2026

Three Different Kinds of Bodies

It is worth understanding the distinction, because it explains why some of these groups can do things Council cannot:

• Authorities are separate legal entities the Borough creates to finance and run big infrastructure. An authority can borrow money, issue bonds, and charge for services on its own (Charter, Article XI, § C-66; Chapter 5, Municipal Authorities). This lets the Borough fund large water, sewer, or parking projects without putting all of that debt directly on the Borough’s books.
• Commissions and boards make binding decisions in a narrow area the law assigns to them — for example, granting a zoning variance or certifying a police hiring list.
• Committees advise Council and staff but generally do not have independent legal power.

The Bodies That Serve Tyrone

Tyrone’s Code establishes or relies on several of these, including:

• Municipal Authority — finances and supports major Borough infrastructure (Chapter 5).
• Parking Authority — established to manage public parking (Chapter 35).
• Planning Commission — reviews subdivision and land-development plans and advises Council on growth and zoning before it acts.
• Zoning Hearing Board — an independent board that hears requests for variances and special exceptions and decides appeals of zoning decisions (see the Zoning chapter, Chapter 205).
• Civil Service Commission — oversees the testing and hiring process that protects police positions from politics (Charter, § C-79).
• Recreation Committee — advises on the Borough’s parks, pool, and recreation programs (Chapter 43).

How Members Are Chosen

Most board, commission, and authority members are appointed by the Mayor, subject to Council’s approval (Charter, § C-43), and they serve fixed terms. These are largely volunteer civic positions — a meaningful way for residents to put expertise and time to work for the community.

Want to Serve?

When a seat opens, the Borough looks for residents willing to volunteer. If you are interested in serving on a board, authority, or commission — or simply want to know which body handles a particular issue — contact the Borough office.

In the Charter & Code: Chapter 5, Authorities, Municipal · Boards & Commissions · Chapter 205, Zoning · Home Rule Charter, Art. XI. Full code: ecode360.com/TY1357.