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Muncy Borough officials were advised to find a building for public meetings that adheres to Americans with Disabilities Act regulations.
"I encourage you to look around," Karen Koch, advocacy coordinator, Roads to Freedom, told borough council members at their recent meeting.
Public meetings, she said, should be accessible to all people who want to attend.
The municipal building at 14 N. Washington St. where council meetings and other borough business are conducted offers stairways but not handicapped accessible accommodations.
"I agree with you," Council President Bill Scott told Koch.
Councilman Richard Baker said he has heard no complaints about the municipal building from citizens.
Nevertheless, he noted that efforts have been made to find another location for a borough building.
"It doesn't sound like a lot of effort has been made to comply," Koch said.
The U.S. Justice Department reportedly investigated borough buildings and concluded accessibility upgrades are needed.
A proposed settlement agreement reached in November does not include the interior of the borough building. It does not absolve the borough from other legal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In other matters, council finalized the tax rate for 2024.
The ordinance following up on a resolution approved earlier this month by council calls for a property tax hike of one-half mill bringing the borough's overall millage rate to 5.8.
Councilman Scott Delany questioned the need for a tax hike when revenues reportedly are up this year.
Scott noted that inflation is increasing costs for everything.
"We don't want to go halfway into 2024 then decide to raise taxes," Councilman Steve Swank said.
Councilwoman Linda Stein said balancing a budget comes down to raising taxes, dipping into savings, or borrowing money.
She said it's likely that the borough will have to tap some savings in the next couple of years.
The vote was 5-2 in favor of the tax ordinance.
Voting yes were Scott, Stein, Swank, Baker, and Brooke Bishop. Voting no were Delany and Thad Martin.
In other matters, council voted to renew its agreement with Penn Strategies at $2,500 per month.
The consulting firm works with municipalities to obtain grants and with other businesses.