HARMONY — The new Butler County Council of Governments has its first member.

While organizers continue to develop the groundwork for the multi-municipal organization, Harmony has voted to join the group.

The borough council made that decision July 3.

Council President Jeff Smith, who is one of the COG's organizers, said council decided to join because of the opportunities for shared services and equipment, as well as for group purchasing, which is the main focus of the group.

The six-person committee of Smith, Becky Fike of the county planning commission, Clay Township Supervisor Joey Duke, Middlesex Township Manager Scot Fodi, Slippery Rock Councilman Royce Lorentz, and Saxonburg Controller Mary Papik have written bylaws and created a structure for the organization and dues, Smith said.

Fike said no other municipalities have joined, but many municipalities have expressed an interest in the council.

When the group last met in March, about 45 municipal representatives attended.

Smith said the committee is developing an agreement with Cranberry Township to provide administrative support for the COG, allowing it to begin operating without any employees.

The new county COG comes about two years after a council with municipalities from Butler and Beaver counties dissolved because of funding problems.

Smith said the committee is finalizing an informational packet to distribute to all municipalities

Fike said the COG will meet at 7 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Butler County Government Center meeting room to answer question from municipalities.