SHARPSVILLE, PA. Bank drops fee on bills, officials say

SHARPSVILLE, Pa. -- Borough officials said First National Bank of Pennsylvania has changed its mind about charging Sharpsville residents 30 cents for each borough utility bill paid at its offices.
Jack Cardwell, borough council president, said First National has agreed to continue handling the bills without a surcharge.
The bank had notified the borough last month that it would begin charging the fee Feb.1 to cover the cost of processing the bills.
First National handles 320 bills a month, processing water, sewer, garbage and recycling bills for people who choose to make their payments at the bank.
Council voted last month to send a letter to First National protesting the fee plan, warning that if it didn't drop the idea, borough residents would be advised to drop their payments off at the municipal building.
Council members also suggested pulling all borough funds out of First National if the bank didn't agree to drop the fee.
Cardwell said the borough's request for a reconsideration was successful.
The bank sent another letter, which was presented to council Wednesday, saying the fee plan had been dropped, he said.