Sewer-rate increase to reach 56% in '06

The increase will allow the borough to break even on operating costs.
By MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. -- Borough residents will see a 56 percent increase in their sewer rates next year.
New Wilmington Borough Council members agreed at their meeting Monday to advertise the increase, which will take effect in the first quarter of 2006.
Council member John Altman said that the borough has been operating the sewer system at a loss for some time and that the increase will allow the borough to break even. He said after the meeting that the borough is not supposed to make a profit and has tried to provide low-cost service. But he said operating at a loss is no longer prudent.
The rates, which now average $29.50 per quarter for a household, will rise to $46.25 with the increase. Also affected are customers in Wilmington Township, Mercer County, which by agreement, must be charged the same as borough residents.
In other business Monday:
UCouncil members scolded two members of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity after Patricia Graney of Meadowbrook Drive complained about overflowing Dumpsters at their house. Council member Raymond Keefer said the appearance of the fraternity house at 440 New Castle Street is hurting property values in the area. Fraternity President Brenton Gilmore promised to try to improve things. Council made several suggestions and agreed to review the situation at next month's meeting.
UA hearing on building code violations on property owned by Jeff and Jennifer Bishop at 444 W. Vine and 130 S. Park streets was continued until next month after borough officials agreed that most of the problems have been remedied. Jeff Bishop said he is fixing the property and intends to sell it. The matter will likely be dismissed next month if the few remaining violations are resolved.
UMayor Wendell Wagner said he received notice that New Wilmington is one of the communities in Pennsylvania where Greyhound bus service will be discontinued Oct. 30.
UWagner also reported PennDOT has notified him Pa. Route 956 will be repaved next year.
UCouncil agreed to allow Shenango Seniorcare to continue using a borough parking lot on Waugh Avenue until the end of the year because of construction.
UThe mayor reported that $56,000 was taken in Saturday at the annual New Wilmington Volunteer Firemen's auction.