Elizabeth Township has adopted a resolution opposing proposed legislation that could lead to a state constitutional amendment mandating municipal mergers and consolidations throughout Pennsylvania.

"That would put an end to township, borough and city government," said Elizabeth Township supervisor Jeff Burkholder at the July 12 meeting.

"The county would be in charge."

The concern of Elizabeth Township and many other municipalities throughout the state is that oversight of roads, land use, zoning, sanitation, water, health and safety, law enforcement and maintenance would no longer be handled locally, but by the county.

"It's hard to see how that would be beneficial to our residents," supervisor chairman Brian Wiker said.

Elizabeth Township has operated in a fiscally conservative way for many years, giving its residents the advantage of no township real estate tax. While the township has implemented a new community park, as well as handling its own snow removal and road maintenance, Wiker said that could change if House Bill 2431 is passed.

"This is something that comes up from time to time," said Burkholder, adding that the township has joined with other state municipalities to make it clear that bigger government would not necessarily be best for residents.

In other business, supervisors reported that a new roadway-sealing material was being tested on two township roads. The material, known as fog seal, is used to seal stone and chip applications, giving the roadway a dark surface that seals in the stones better.

The sealant was applied to Ironstone Drive in the Elm Crest development and to South View Drive near the Elizabeth Township municipal building. In the case of South View, the township road supervisor will more easily be able to observe the effectiveness of the material. Ironstone Drive was chosen because it is in a residential development where the road needed to be oiled and chipped.

Wiker said that there was some concern about the surface in wet or icy conditions and it was decided not to try it out in a hilly area. So far, the newly resurfaced roads have a smooth, black seal and keeps loose stones and oil from damaging cars.

Shannon Martin of Penryn Fire Company attended the meeting to thank supervisors for their donation to the fire company.

He reported that it has been a busy season for fires, and a major fire contributed to more than $300,000 in fire losses. Martin said that the fire company's Mud Sale was its most successful.

The fire company serves a portion of Elizabeth Township to the west.