#PA

citizenportal.ai

Consultant provides $15.3M planning estimate for borough hall expansion; council to refine options

A Kenoni consultant presented per‑square‑foot assumptions and a planning estimate of about $15.3 million for renovating and adding onto the borough building; council discussed design competitions, architect engagement, grants and financing but took no vote.

citizenportal.ai

Council advances parameters ordinance to issue up to $25 million in notes; PFM cites 5.5% interest cap and expects about $12 million issuance

Council discussed and advanced (roll-call recorded 6–0) a parameters ordinance authorizing up to $25 million in general obligation notes to refund prior bond series; PFM advised an upper interest rate of 5.5% and estimated an actual issuance nearer $12 million.

citizenportal.ai

Residents press council over stormwater fee after court ruling; mayor explains MS4 obligations

A resident and council members raised concerns about a court decision that affected stormwater fees; the mayor explained that the city’s fee is tied to federal MS4 permit obligations and that large property owners like Lehigh University have agreed to continue paying.

citizenportal.ai

Board debates new middle-school science materials, AP scheduling and virtual options

The curriculum committee reviewed middle-school science resource options and assessment trends; the board also discussed AP-course rotations, low-enrollment AP classes and virtual/dual-enrollment alternatives that affect scheduling and student credit.

citizenportal.ai

Board flags handbook language on offensive emblems, approves virtual-academy wellness checks in principle

Board members raised First Amendment questions about language banning certain emblems in handbooks; administrators said they will consult counsel. The board also discussed a now-mandatory weekly wellness/attendance check for full-time virtual students and how that ties to funding and student engagement.

frblaw.com

New York’s Pied-a-Terre Tax - How Tax Works - Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP

In episode 57 of How Tax Works, Matt Foreman discusses New York City’s brand new Pied-a-terre tax, outlining some of its most interesting points and potential audit issues. Listen to the episode here:...

citizenportal.ai

Planning commission recommends fossil‑fuel generating facilities ordinance to supervisors after public questions on setbacks, noise and water

After public comment and technical discussion about noise, setbacks and water discharge, the planning commission voted to forward a proposed fossil‑fuel electric generating facilities ordinance — largely mirroring data‑center rules — to the board of supervisors with conditions on acreage and facility size.

citizenportal.ai

County to pass through $15,100 grant to Garrett County to support regional drug court; case manager position approved

The commission approved an MOU to pass FY27 grant funds to Garrett County and a grant-funded case manager position to support a regional adult drug treatment court; staff said the program is 100% grant-funded and will support treatment and job placement services.