Today could be the last time that the City of Altoona isn’t officially known as a distressed municipality.
 
City Council is expected to vote tonight on whether or not to enter the state’s ACT 47 Financial Recovery Program. A meeting earlier this month to discuss city finances produced no forthcoming windfalls that would help stave off a $1.6-million projected deficit.

ACT 47 would allow the city to raise its earned income tax rate and petition for a commuter tax to help cover services. An ACT 47 consultant assigned by the Department of Community and Economic Development will be assigned to review the operations of the city and its government.
 
Officials say the program could take eight months to implement.