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Muncy Borough Council this week agreed to enter into an agreement with Lycoming County for a buyout of two homes located in flood-prone areas of the community.
The residences are among two of seven listed as potential Federal Emergency Management Agency buyouts in the borough.
The houses are at 119 N. Washington St. and 100 Mechanic St. next to Glade Run, which overflows its banks during floods.
Council President Bill Scott said, while he was otherwise against "knocking down" homes, the two residences set for buyouts have been especially prone to flooding.
"You lose tax revenue," he said.
It was noted that individuals or families reside in six of the seven homes on the list.
"Some have been waiting 10 years for the buyouts," said Kelsey Green, of the Lycoming County Planning Commission.
Green reported that a study by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of the borough's river and stormwater flooding is in its final phase.
The study covers different mitigation tactics for flooding.
The borough, Muncy Creek Township, Lycoming County and Muncy Bank & Trust would share half the costs for the $154,700 study.
The borough's share would amount to $7,735, or 10% of the costs.
In other matters, council approved the 2023 proposed borough budget, which calls for no tax increases.
The $1.265 million budget reflects a 0.9 increase from this year.
Real estate taxes have remained at 5.3 mills for the past six years.
Linda Stein, of the borough finance committee, said, "I am pleased and surprised to announce we do not need a new tax increase."
She said she had feared that certain expenses such as pension obligations and health insurance increases would drive up the budget.
However, a large spending hike was prevented, partly through staff reductions, she noted.
"We entered into the budget process with fear and trepidation," she said.
Scott added, "It's a balanced budget. No tax increase."
The final budget is set for approval in December.
Council agreed to a one-year contract with Penn Strategies to help the borough secure grants for projects and other needs.
It was noted that Muncy Bank & Trust will fund half of the $30,000 one-year agreement.
Council discussed traffic safety issues along High Street between Main and Market streets.
Council members considered possible solutions such as designating High Street as one-way or prohibiting parking.
Council approved the purchase of a utility trailer at a cost of $8,728.
Borough Manager Charles Hall reported that the borough began pickup of leaves this week.