Brevort Township's proposal to borrow up to $450,000 for a new township hall and community center was defeated, 88 to 50, in the August 8 primary, and voters can expect to see a similar proposal in November.

"We are very disappointed," said Township Supervisor Ed Serwach, "but we got more yes votes than usual, and the issue will be back on the ballot in November."

The dilapidated condition of the township hall is often discussed at township meetings, but it is less an issue of beautifying Moran and more a matter of compliance with the federal government, Mr. Serwach said.

"We are really being pressured by Rural Development Services," he said. "All our buildings must be handicapped accessible."

To comply with the Amerians With Disabilites Act, the township hall needs an elevator to the library on the second floor, and the ramp to the basement level, where township meetings are held, needs to be upgrated.

In 2000, the township began construction of a sewer system paid for by a $4 million dollar grant and a $600,000 loan from Rural Development Services and agreed to upgrade its facilities to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act as a condition of receiving the funds, Mr. Serwach said. However, since the township hall is in such poor condition, he added, it is more realistic to build a new facility than to upgrade the existing building.

Mr. Serwach is concerned that if the township does not comply with Rural Development's demands, it will not receive federal grants in the future.

Prior to the November election, he added, the board "will try to explain the facts" to voters.

Mr. Serwach could offer no explanation for the defeat of the bond proposal. Until the vote, all the feedback the township had received was positive, he said.