---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) February 28, 2001 PEOPLES FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP. ---------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Pennsylvania 000-23863 23-2391852 ---------------------------- ----------- ------------- (State or other jurisdiction (Commission (IRS Employer of incorporation) File Number) Ident. No.) 50 Main Street, Hallstead, PA 18822 ---------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (570)879-2175 N/A ---------------------------------------------------------------- (Former name or former address, if changed since last report.) ---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- Item 4. Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant. On February 28, 2001, the Board of Directors of the Registrant approved the engagement of the accounting firm of Beard Miller Company LLP as the Registrant's independent accountants, to replace Prociak & Associates, LLC The reports of Prociak & Associates, LLC on the Registrant's financial statements for the two most recent fiscal years did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and such reports were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles. During the two most recent fiscal years, there have been no disagreements between the Registrant and its prior independent accountants, Prociak & Associates, LLC, on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, or any "reportable events" as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of SEC Regulation S-K. Prior to the engagement of Beard Miller Company LLP, the Registrant had not consulted or engaged Beard Miller Company LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure. The Registrant has authorized Prociak & Associates, LLC to respond fully to all inquiries of Beard Miller Company LLP. The Registrant has requested a letter from Prociak & Associates, LLC addressed to the SEC stating whether or not it agrees with the statements made by the Registrant in response to this item 4 and, if not, stating the respect in which it does not agree. The Registrant delivered a copy of this Current Report on Form 8-K to Prociak & Associates, LLC on March 6, 2001. The Registrant will file by amendment, as an exhibit to this Current Report on Form 8-K, a copy of such letter when it is received. SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. PEOPLES FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP. Dated: March 6, 2001 By /s/ Debra E. Dissinger Debra E. Dissinger Senior Vice President