The most significant change is an increase in the cap for the work to $15,000 from $12,000.

Council initially rebuffed a proposal to set the ceiling at $15,000 so that more houses could be done.

"We're probably going to lose a few houses this way," said Council President David Cusick.

The borough has a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant for the program, which gives deferred loans for building code-related repairs. After subtracting administration costs, about $216,000 will be available for home improvements.

Council's goal is to improve 18 houses.

Council had given itself the power to allow the cap to be increased to $15,000 on a case-by-case basis, but there likely would be a delay of up to a month because council usually only votes on matters once a month.

Cusick said he agreed to the higher cap to keep the program moving, "rather than come back to us and prolong the thing." Should a house need more work, the homeowner would have to put up the extra money, Cusick said.

Council also ceded the power to authorize payments. Cusick, Mayor Tom Stanton and borough secretary Sharon Stinedurf will be able to act on council's behalf.

Otherwise, contractors would have to wait until council meets to get paid.

No payments will be made until a final inspection of the work and the homeowner has signed off on the work.

Homeowners are eligible for the loans if they meet low- and moderate-income guidelines and are current on taxes.

Mourice Waltz Planners and Consultants, Sharpsville, has been hired to run the program.