Connoquenessing Borough isn't unique in not being able to attract broad interest for service on the town's governing council. Other small communities with small populations encounter the same problem.

While it is unfortunate that the Connoquenessing Borough Council feels compelled to reduce the size of the council to make it more likely that there will be a quorum for each month's meeting, it is the right decision for this era of the town's existence.

It is better to be able to routinely field a quorum of three to conduct business — on the basis of having a five-member council — than to be unable to conduct official business because four members of a seven-member council cannot meet during a number of months of the year.

That is the situation with which the community has been dealing.

It's reasonable to suggest that the current meeting manpower situation might only be temporary — until new council members eventually come on board. However, it's important to note that borough residents don't turn out in large numbers to seek election to borough positions.

Instead, residents' interest in serving in borough government can best be described as anemic.

The borough has petitioned Butler County Court for permission to reduce the council's size. A hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. April 24 at the courthouse.

If the court approves the change, it reportedly would be implemented over two election cycles. No sitting council member would be dismissed as a result of the change.

Even if some borough business can wait if a quorum isn't available at a particular meeting, paying bills by their monthly due date to avoid late fees doesn't offer the borough the flexibility to meet only occasionally, when it's convenient for most council members.

While there can be retroactive approvals of routine items, there are potential pitfalls in paying bills without all council members first having the opportunity to review them and ask questions about them.

Amid all that is the requirement that the council obey the law requiring it to properly advertise deviations from its regular meeting schedule.

All factors considered, the council should not be seen as acting wrongly in its pursuit of a smaller governing body. A five-member council is adequate to oversee a community of Connoquenessing's size and estimated population of about 562 residents.

That said, current council members should strive to shrink the absentee rate that has been hindering the meeting schedule.