§202.1. Borough advisory committee.

(a) Establishment.--The court shall establish a borough advisory committee when a petition is received by the court for the creation of a borough. The following shall apply to committee members:

(1) Members shall be appointed by and shall serve at the pleasure of the court.

(2) The committee shall consist of the following:

(i) Two residents of the proposed borough.

(ii) Two residents from each of the existing townships recommended by the respective governing body of the township who are not residing within the proposed borough.

(iii) One resident of the county not residing in any area under subparagraphs (i) and (ii) who shall serve as the chair of the committee.

(3) Members shall serve without salary. The court may entitle each member to reimbursement for the member's actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of the member's official duties.

(4) Members may consult with the director of the county planning commission who may advise the committee.

(b) Duties.--The committee shall, within 60 days of its creation, advise the court in relation to the establishment of the proposed borough. The committee shall render expert advice and findings of fact relating to the desirability of an incorporation, including advice as to:

(1) The proposed borough's ability to obtain or provide adequate and reasonable community support services such as police protection, fire protection and other appropriate community facility services.

(2) Whether the proposed borough constitutes a harmonious whole with common interests and needs that can best be served by a borough government. In examining this factor, the committee shall consider whether the proposed borough represents a distinct community with features different from those of the existing township.

(3) The existing and potential commercial, residential and industrial development of the proposed borough.

(4) Whether the proposed borough would provide for land use regulations to meet the legitimate needs for all categories of residents or whether the plan is exclusionary or would result in economic segregation.

(5) The financial or tax effect on the proposed borough and existing township.