NEW MAYOR SWORN IN AT BOROUGH OF HANOVER REORGANIZATION MEETING

Hanover, Pa. – Newly elected Mayor Heidi Hormel, along with three newly elected, two incumbent Council members and returning tax collector were sworn in during the Borough of Hanover’s biannual reorganization meeting held Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Public Administration Building in Hanover.

A lifelong Hanover resident, Hormel previously served as a Council member from 2006 to 2014 and is the daughter of longtime Hanover resident and former Mayor Maggie Hormel, who served from 1993 to 2007. Mayor Hormel’s term will run for four years, until December 31, 2029.

One of Mayor Hormel’s first official acts was casting deciding votes in the election of Council officers. Returning Council member Tim Kress, representing the First Ward, was elected Council President, while incumbent Council member Dr. Barbara Rupp, representing the Fourth Ward, was elected Vice-President.

Kress has served the Borough Council since December 2020. As Council President, he will preside over monthly Council meetings, which are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month, with the exception of November, when the meeting will be held on the fourth Tuesday.

As Vice President, Dr. Rupp will preside over the Finance and Personnel Committee meetings, held on the third Wednesday of each month. She has served on Council since August of 2018, following her retirement as Superintendent of the Southwestern School District.

Additional Council members sworn in include incumbent Brian Fuentes, First Ward, newly elected Council members Brad Scott, Second Ward, and Matthew T. Funk Third Ward, incumbent Dr. Barbara Rupp, Fourth Ward,; and newly elected Council member Isaac Riston, Fifth Ward, all with four-year terms until December 31, 2029. Incumbent Holly Liska was re-elected as Tax Collector, also serving a four-year term.

Borough staff appointed to official positions include Margaret Lewis (Borough Manager); Dorothy Felix (Borough Secretary through March 2, 2026); Kara Ellison (Assistant Secretary through March 2, 2026, and Borough Secretary effective March 3, 2026); James Shelton (Treasurer); Valerie Meyers (Assistant Secretary effective March 3, 2026); John Tracey (Assistant Treasurer); Holly Liska (Tax Collector); and Timothy J. Shultis (Solicitor).

In addition to their Council duties, ward representatives serve on various Borough boards, committees, and commissions. A complete list of these positions, as well as the calendar of meetings, is available on the Borough’s website at www.HanoverBoroughPA.gov.

Borough of Hanover Vision Statement

“We envision a thriving, welcoming community appealing to individuals, families and businesses where best-practices shape delivery of exceptional municipal services and citizen engagement. By providing efficient, high-quality services, we support a clean and safe environment, inclusive recreation, and a vibrant, drug-free downtown for all.”

The Borough of Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania, was incorporated in 1815. The Borough serves the public through stewardship, government, development and improvements of public assets including water/sewer/stormwater & refuse utilities, parks & recreation facilities, the Hanover Market House, the Guthrie Memorial Library, as well as Code Enforcement, Police & Fire Departments. It is governed by the Borough Council, overseen by the Borough Manager, and staffed by administrative, public service, public works, sewer, water, refuse and engineering professionals. Known as the Snack Food Capital of the World, Hanover is home, not only to numerous food industries, but also to manufacturing, technology, commercial sales, and services. Hanover Borough offices, located at 33 Frederick Street, can be reached at 717-637-3877 or by email at Info@HanoverBoroughPA.gov. More information is available at www.HanoverBoroughPA.gov.