BUREAU OF MUNICIPALITIES, CREATION Act of Apr. 4, 1919, P.L. 45, No. 34 Cl. 14 AN ACT Establishing a Bureau of Municipalities in the Department of Internal Affairs; and repealing the act, approved June first, one thousand nine hundred and fifteen, entitled "An act creating a Division of Municipal Statistics and Information of the Department of Labor and Industry, and fixing the compensation of officers and employes therein," as amended. Section 1. Be it enacted, &c., That the Secretary of Internal Affairs shall establish in the said Department of Internal Affairs a Bureau of Municipalities. The said Bureau shall gather, classify, index, make available, and disseminate data, statistical information, and advice that may be helpful in improving the methods of administration and municipal development in the several municipalities of the Commonwealth; and shall maintain, for the benefit of the municipalities, a publicity service to install or assist in the installation and establishment of modern systems of accounting in the various municipalities of the State, and in order to promote a comprehensive plan or series of plans for the probable future requirements of cities, boroughs, or townships of the Commonwealth, either separately or jointly, in respect to a system of traffic thoroughfares and other highways or main highways, transportation of every sort, suitably co-ordinated sites for public buildings, parks, parkways, playgrounds, and other public uses, the preservation of natural and historic features, and any and all public improvements tending to the advantage of municipalities or townships affected, tending to their advantage as a place of business and residence, and to either make or secure or assist in making or securing the necessary surveys, plans, and information. Section 2. The Secretary of Internal Affairs is hereby authorized to employ a Chief of Bureau of Municipalities, who in his judgment shall be qualified to perform the duties herein described. He is also authorized to employ such engineering, accounting, clerical, stenographic, and other expert service, relating to the gathering of information, its distribution and publication and other duties incident to the purpose of the bureau or transfer to such duties in this bureau as he may find advisable the work and services of other bureaus or of others employed in the department. The salaries of the employes appointed under the provisions of this act shall be fixed by the Secretary of Internal Affairs, and shall be paid from the funds appropriated to the said Department of Internal Affairs. Section 3. It is hereby made the duty of every city, borough, township, or county official, to furnish such information as may be requested by the Chief of the Bureau of Municipalities or his duly authorized deputy. |