SANITATION BOARD Job loss feared with rate increases

Rates for large users could rise by as much as 90 percent.
NESHANNOCK, Pa. -- A township supervisor voiced concerns about job losses in light of planned sanitation rate increases of as much as 90 percent.
Township supervisors invited members of the New Castle Sanitation Authority Board to a meeting this week to discuss the increases.
Supervisor Chairman Gale Measel said supervisors needed a better understanding of the rate increases ranging from 12 to 90 percent, which go into effect in April.
Supervisor John DiCola Jr., who brought concerns up about job losses, said a study by Neshannock sewer department shows that two large businesses in the township could see an 80- to 90-percent increase in their sanitation bills.
DiCola told the group although he would rather have seen less of an impact on the larger user, he understands rates need to be increased to cover rising costs.
Lost funding
David Richards, sanitation board chairman, said the main reason for the rate increase is the loss of state funds.
He told supervisors that state formerly provided the authority $320,000 a year to assist in operating costs, but the funding was eliminated three years ago.
Authority Manager Richard Christopher told supervisors that without the rate increase the board projected a deficit of $720,000 this year.
"Maybe we should have gone out for the increase sooner." Christopher said. The last increase was nine years ago. He said the authority was hoping for development in Millennium Park to help cover sanitation costs. Industrial park development has been stalled by the lack of state funding.
"No one likes rate increases. We don't, you don't, and residents don't." Richards said.
Rates are increasing from $28.50 to $35.60 a quarter for the minimum user. A minimum user is a household using 12,746 gallons or less of water each quarter.
Christopher said, "The larger user will pay more. From my board's prospective, the people that have the least ability to pay (senior citizens on a fixed income) will be the least impacted."
The minimum user in the township will see their bill increase from $58 to $65.10 per quarter. An additional charge of $2.61 will be levied for every 748 gallons over the minimum amount allotted.
Supervisor Secretary Leslie Bucci said the average family's bill would increase from $74 per quarter to $127.
She said it is necessary for the township to add costs to the sanitation authority's charge to cover lift station expenses, maintaining the sewer lines and the sewer department's office staff costs.