SHARON — Sharon residents are to decide this week whether they want their town to move from a third-class city to a home rule charter.

After a 15-month study, the issue is heating up in the run-up to Tuesday's vote.

The home rule charter drawn up by a study commission calls for replacing the city's mayor, treasurer and controller with a five-member council that would appoint a city manager. A financial officer would take over the treasurer and controller's duties.

Those in favor believe a home rule charter would lead to better city management. The opposition fears home rule would limit the voice of the residents.

Sharon is a town of just over 15,000 people located about 75 miles northwest of Pittsburgh.