Your Voice in Borough Government

Last Updated: June 5, 2026

Speak at a Meeting

The simplest and most direct tool is showing up. Tyrone Council meets the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building, and the Charter guarantees you a “reasonable opportunity…to address the Council” (§ C-24). The Administrative Code spells out how it works (§ 3-10):

• You may speak on any agenda item before Council votes on it.
• You may add your own item to the agenda by notifying the Borough Manager in writing at least three days ahead.
• Every meeting includes a public-participation segment for general comments.

Council sets the ground rules for the public-comment period by resolution and can update them from time to time — if you want to be sure of the current procedure, check the latest meeting agenda or ask the Borough office before the meeting.

Serve Your Community

Residents do much of the real work of local government on the Borough’s boards, authorities, and commissions — planning, zoning, recreation, and more. Most members are appointed by the Mayor with Council’s approval (§ C-43). If a Council seat itself falls vacant, the Charter requires a public process: the vacancy is announced, and any qualified resident may ask to be interviewed for the appointment (§ C-12). And of course, you can run for Council or Mayor — offices elected at large to four-year terms (§ C-6 to C-10). (See Boards, Authorities & Commissions to learn what each body does.)

The Powers Most Residents Don’t Know They Have

Here is where Tyrone’s Home Rule Charter is genuinely powerful. Beyond electing officials, residents hold three direct-democracy tools that let them act when they believe the normal process has fallen short:

Initiative — Propose a Law Yourselves

If residents want a law the Council won’t pass, they can propose an ordinance directly by gathering signatures on a petition. If the petition qualifies, Council must either adopt the measure or put it before the voters (Home Rule Charter, §§ C-108 to C-114). It is the people’s power to start legislation.

Referendum — Put a New Law to a Vote

If Council passes an ordinance residents object to, they can circulate a referendum petition to suspend that ordinance and refer it to the voters at an election. If enough valid signatures are filed in time, the ordinance is put on hold until the people decide (Home Rule Charter, § C-112). It is the people’s veto.

Recall — Remove an Official Before the Term Ends

Tyrone is one of the Pennsylvania communities whose charter provides for recall: voters can petition to remove an elected official from office before their term is up, triggering a recall election (Home Rule Charter, §§ C-102 to C-107). It is a serious, demanding process by design — but it exists, and it puts ultimate accountability in residents’ hands.

These are powerful tools with specific signature counts, deadlines, and procedures. If you’re considering one, start by reading the relevant Charter sections and consult the Borough office about the exact requirements.

Start Here

In the Charter & Code: § C-24 (right to be heard) · § 3-10 (public participation) · § C-12 (filling vacancies) · § C-43 (appointments) · Charter Recall (§ C-102–C-107) and Initiative & Referendum (§ C-108–C-114). Full code: ecode360.com/TY1357.