Mars can remain a unique place even if it becomes a township instead of a borough.

Mars Borough Council voted Monday, July 7, to put the merging of the borough with Adams Township on the ballot for a referendum vote. The move hands the decision over to the people the change will affect the most — the residents — as required by law. Adams Township’s board of supervisors held a similar vote on the joint agreement at its meeting on June 22, approving it by a unanimous 5-0 decision.

The proposed merger needs a positive vote in both municipalities on Election Day to go forward. If approved, the merger will be consummated by New Year’s Day of 2028.

It’s a milestone moment — creating a municipal consolidation doesn’t happen often.

Mars is one of the only municipalities in the U.S. that shares a name with the Red Planet, it is unique for reasons beyond its associations with space. If the referendum passes, the unique name will carry over to the new municipality, tentatively planned to be dubbed Mars Township.

According to borough officials, the proposed merger has been well received by residents so far.

“I think a lot of people see what we’re trying to accomplish and are OK with it,” said Mars council President G. Michael Fleming. “We’ve been very transparent by having all the information available online and through the offices and we’ve tried to keep everything out in the open.”

What happens with the merger will be seen in November, but regardless of the outcome, the area will retain its unique name.

— ET