Sewer Rate Up $4 for Single-Family Residence

Residents and businesses will see a slight increase in their sanitary sewer bills this year.

Township Committee unanimously adopted an ordinance last week that increases rates by less than 1 percent for sewer usage, which is paid in two installments annually.

Single-family residences and commercial buildings will see their bills go up $4, from $416 to $420 a year. Additionally, for commercial properties, there is a $2.40 fee per 1,000 gallons used in excess of 104,000 gallons.

The governing body said that 95 percent of the township's sewer costs are dedicated to the treatment of sewage at the Northwest Bergen County Utility Authority's treatment plant. The 2010 rates cover all costs related to sewer service, including pump stations and maintenance costs, which creating a reserve to deal with any necessary facility repairs.

The 2010 charges are as follows:

• Two-family residence—$472, plus $2.40 per 1,000 gallons in excess of 156,000 gallons;
• Three to five-family residence—$228 per unit, plus $2.40 per 1,000 gallons in excess of 208,000 gallons;
• Commercial building with one detached residence—$776, plus $2.40 per 1,000 gallons in excess of 145,600 gallons;
• Commercial building with residence within the same structure—$563, plus $2.40 per 1,000 gallons in excess of 145,600 gallons;
• Commercial building with two to five residential units—$420 plus $188 per each residence. Flow in excess of 104,025 gallons plus 41,635 gallons for each dwelling is charged at $2.40 per 1,000 gallons.

Bills are mailed once annually, although installments are due May 1 and Aug. 1. Residents should use payment coupons that will be attached to their bills to make payments. Additionally, residents are encouraged to register their e-mail address on the township Web site, www.wyckoff-nj.com to receive sewer payment and tax bill reminders.