Published Friday, August 9, 2002
Herald Staff Writer
Greenville Borough Council plans to re-evaluate a move it made last year decreasing sewer rates.
Council Vice President Bryan D. Langietti said Thursday that council should consider increasing the sewer rate to make up for shortfalls in the borough's sewer operating fund.
According to the most recent audit of borough finances, the sewer fund owes the borough's general fund $199,000 for past transfers.
"When we decreased the rate (last year), we thought there was more money in the sewer fund. But we're still owed money from the sewer authority," Langietti said.
Residents receive a single bimonthly bill for water and sewer service. Sewer fees are charged as a percentage of the water bill.
Council last year passed an ordinance to decrease sewer rates from 74 percent of the water charge to 68 percent. Council said it made that move, in part, to soften the blow of a 15-percent water rate hike approved by the Greenville Municipal Authority.
Langietti said council should consider returning sewer rates to 74 percent of the water charge.
Under the current sewer rate of 68 percent, if a customer had a $30 water charge, the sewer charge would be $20.20.
The sewer charge would be $22.40 with a rate of 74 percent and a $30 water bill.
Council meets again Tuesday.