The Williamsport Government Study Commission has a task over the next 18 months or so, but it wants the public to play a role in that assignment.

The seven elected members on the commission, who, during that time, said they will look at forms of government, including Home Rule, consists of Andrew Dincher, Dante Miele-Elion, Valerie L. Fessler, Liz Miele — who also is a Williamsport City Councilwoman — Caroline Payne, J. David Smith and Brianna Stetts.

By resolution, the commission is charged with drafting a Home Rule charter, and has mutual efforts to communicate with the voters of the city about the potential benefits of becoming a Home Rule community.

The commission recently held its first meeting after the Primary Election May 19, a meeting that set up the commissions’ officers, schedules, and expressed the stated purpose of the commission. Members chose Smith to be chair and Payne vice chair.

Members listened to two presentations by proposed consultants from Kafferlin Strategies and the Pennsylvania Economy League.

The commission schedule for the next GSC meeting is 6 p.m. July 2. and then it will be held at the same time on Thursdays that City Council doesn’t meet.

The meetings are recorded and posted on YouTube, which commission members describe as part of an obligation to be completely transparent with the public and taxpayers.

The meetings are at Trade and Transit II, 100 W. Third St., on the third floor and by remote for those unable to attend in person. There may be a need to hold a meeting at a different location in September.

Remote participation is allowed by the commission members as long as it is not more than three members. Legal representation was

recommended through McCormick Law Firm and audio visual is to be provided by AV Solutions.

A sub-committee will review the process budget through to July 2, but it was noted that any consulting firm selected will be covered by 90 % through a grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development, as spelled out during the strategic management planning process by Public Financial Management, Philadelphia.

Home Rule governance was approved in several similar size and larger cities in Pennsylvania.

As this study commences, consultants said it will be crucial for the commission to educate the public on its steps and decisions.

The commission meetings will offer the opportunity for the public to comment on agenda items early on in the meetings and during public comment at the end, just as it is set up in city council meetings.