City Council is expected to vote Thursday on an revised ordinance providing for local economic assistance for deteriorating residential property.
Last week's announcement by the Lycoming County Commissioners they would not bring up the citywide LERTA, or Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act, for a vote, made it necessary for the city to revise the proposed ordinance, city Community Development Director John Grado said.
The finance committee Tuesday recommended the revisions and forwarded them to the full council in order to spur reinvestment in deteriorating neighborhoods and encourage new construction.
The biggest changes include the removal of the county as a partner and a revised application fee for those seeking tax abatement, which would drop to $75 from $150.
The revised ordinance also must be approved by the Williamsport Area School Board.
The five-year LERTA offers 100 percent tax relief from the participating taxing bodies for the first year, followed by a 20-percent reduction over the term. The procedures and terms are explained on the building permits, Grado said.
Also on council's agenda are resolutions for retiring police officers who want to transfer their duty firearms for their own personal use and action on a contract to purchase furniture, flooring and office equipment at the Church Street Transportation Center.
William E. Nichols Jr., city director of administration, said he anticipates the new parking deck to open by summer.
