Executives of HomeTown Bank agreed to install a lowered teller service counter for wheelchair users at a branch being built at Electric Road and Colonial Avenue.

Ending a conflict with Roanoke County building officials, the branch will place a 30-inch-tall teller window on the end of a row of 40-inch-high teller windows.

To increase security, the bank will also place a door between tellers' work stations, separating the tellers, amending an earlier plan that county officials said would segregate wheelchair users in a special room off the lobby.

County officials had objected to that plan as a potential violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

A separate room would have placed wheelchair users outside the general customer service area, a problem because the ADA requires "equal enjoyment" of public facilities for the disabled, according to county records.

In defense of its proposal for a separate room, the bank had argued this approach would be more secure than placing a lowered service counter in the lobby over which a would-be robber could easily jump.

Under a compromise reached Friday, county officials will get the lowered teller service counter they want built in the lobby. The bank will install a door behind the teller, blocking immediate access to the teller area.

William Clark, president and chief executive of HomeTown Bank, said Friday he's pleased with the outcome.

In a voice mail message left for The Roanoke Times, he said the design to be followed "preserves our security and meets Roanoke County's interpretation of the code."

County officials approved the counter design Friday, calling the matter "resolved."

The branch is scheduled to open April 12.