As a Township of the second class, Haines is governed by a three-member Board of Supervisors, one of whom serves as chairman on a rotating basis.  Supervisors are elected at large by the electorate for staggered six-year terms and perform both legislative and executive duties for the "health, safety, and welfare" of Township residents.  They are required by state law to establish a budget for each year's anticipated expenses and they are given the right to set various taxes to defray those expenses.

To assist them, supervisors are empowered to appoint professionals such as an attorney and an engineer.  The Board also appoints all members of the Advisory Boards and Commissions, as well as the Zoning Hearing Board and Municipal Authority.