By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
LAWRENCE — An increase in the sewer fee, which will result in a $30 annual increase for the average residential customer beginning in 2017, has been approved by Township Council.
This is the first rate increase in five years, according to Municipal Manager Richard Krawczun. The annual fee for the average residential customer will increase from $652 to $682. The sewer fee is billed two times per year.
Township officials met with the Ewing-Lawrence Sewerage Authority, which handles sewage treatment for the two townships. Each township is billed on the basis of the amount of sewage that flows into the treatment plant on Whitehead Road.
“We don’t have the specific amount, but we anticipate an increase in the apportionment of costs that are the obligation of sewer customers in Lawrence Township,” Mr. Krawczun said. The Ewing-Lawrence Sewerage Authority has not yet approved its budget, he said.
Nevertheless, the increase likely will not be enough to cover what is estimated to be the new charge, he said. The Ewing-Lawrence Sewerage Authority, however, has a rate stabilization reserve fund that can tapped to make up the difference.
In addition to the increase in the sewer fee, there is a $1 increase in the “fixed charge” rate — from $42 to $43, annually. The fixed rate charge covers debt service, billing and administration costs.
