By Muneera Naseer, Special Writer
ALLENTOWN — Most local residents likely will soon be paying about $160 more per year for water and sewer services.
The Borough Council on Feb. 24 introduced ordinances carrying the rate hikes.
They are necessary, says Treasurer and Financial Officer Bob Benick, due to increases in costs for the borough’s sewer and water operation.
“Expenses are going up, and we haven’t had a rate increase in five years,” he said. “The rates haven’t stayed up with inflation.”
The proposed ordinances would raise the water rate for use of up to 500 cubic feet from $40 to $60 per quarter, or $80 more per year. Any water used over the 500 cubic foot threshold would continue to be billed at a rate of 6.7 cents per cubic foot, Mr. Benick said.
Annual sewer rates also would rise $80 per year, from $580 to $660, or from $145 to $165 per quarter.
The last sewer rate increase five years ago went from $135 to $145 per quarter.
Mr. Benick said the borough’s operations have always been self-sustaining, in that the money generated from sewer and water fees covered operating costs. But in recent years, he said, there has been an increase in associated borough bills, including delivery of chemicals for the plants, and higher electricity and gasoline bills.
The increases will prevent the borough from dipping into its operating funds, he said, by generating about $39,000 per year.
“If we don’t increase the rates, then we won’t have enough money to pay our bills,” Mr. Benick said. “It will bounce back to the current operating funds. We’re staying ahead of a deficit. We don’t want a deficit.”
Councilman Ray Cantor said Feb. 24 that more discussion is needed on the potential rate increases.
“We have to discuss it,”” he said. “Is it necessary? Is this the right way?””
Councilman Michael Schumacher said public comment could be solicited at the next council meeting, Tuesday.
If approved, the new water rates would go into effect April 1, while the sewer rates would start May 1.
In other business at the Feb. 24 meeting, the council approved spending $12,000 to buy water meter equipment in the upcoming weeks. Mr. Benick said the borough has been sending out estimated bills since the Aqua New Jersey Company terminated its contract in July.
Mayor Stu Fierstein said the new equipment will remain property of the borough in the future, no matter who conducts the meter-
reading services.
Mr. Benick said Sensus and SEDC, both of Pennsylvania, have submitted similar bids for the equipment and no choice has yet been made.

