Fall River disability commission asks city counsel whether parking‑fine funds can pay private accessibility work, seeks clarity on scholarship program

Vice chairwoman Debbie Pacheco said the city's corporation counsel has advised that funds collected under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, Section 22G may not be spent to construct wheelchair ramps at private residences, and the Fall River Commission on Disability moved Wednesday to request a formal written opinion from the city on whether that interpretation affects the commission's scholarship program.

"It is the opinion of this office that the commission on disability may not lawfully expend public funds under MGL 40 22G for the purpose of constructing a wheelchair accessible ramp at a private residency even where the recipient is a person with a disability," Pacheco read to the commission, citing the counsel's conclusion and saying she would forward the full document to members.

The legal opinion prompted extensive discussion about whether the ruling should narrow the…