The average resident could pay about 10 percent more in water consumption fees and 12 percent more in sewer fees if Council passes an ordinance that was introduced at Monday’s meeting.
Council approved an ordinance on first reading that will increase water consumption fees for residents and businesses that pump 30,000 gallons of water or less per year and residents and businesses that pump 30,000 to 60,000 galls of water per year. Businesses that pump more than 60,000 will see a 22 percent increase in fees, and establishments that pump more than 300,000 gallons of water per year, such as the school district, will see a 26 percent increase.
Township CFO Tom Merchel said the fees are increasing primarily in response to New Jersey American’s Water’s increase in fees. The townships pumps 917 million gallons of its own water per year but is required by law to purchase 325 million gallons of water from New Jersey American Water. If Council approves the ordinance at its schedule April 20 meeting, the increased fees will be implemented beginning May 1.
In other news, Council has begun to set dates for a series of budget workshops that will allow the public to participate in the township’s budget planning process. Township Manager Chris Schultz requested the first meeting be on Monday, April 13 at 7 p.m. in the township library.
Council set a date for the second meeting, tentatively planned for Thursday, April 16 at 7 p.m. in the library. Council said it plans to hold several meetings following the initial two.
See an upcoming print edition of The Sun for the full story.
