Palmer Supervisors Talk About Money Down the Toilet

unanimously agreed Monday night to keep the current sewer rates for residents even though the fees are not covering the township’s costs.

This year the township will have to kick in an additional $500,000 to pay the costs associated with sewage treatment, according to reports presented at the Supervisors meeting.

In fact, since 2009 Palmer Township’s sewer costs have exceeded the revenue collected from property owners, but the surplus in the sewer fund has covered those costs. At the current rates, that fund will be gone by 2013.

“When you flush the toilet, someone’s got to pay for it,” said Chairman David Colver. “Our big picture question is whether to raise sewer rates 10, 15 or 20 percent now, or address it next year?”

In 1999 the township actually reduces rates by 20 percent, increasing them by 10 percent five years later in 2004.

Now, the average homeowner pays about $340 a year. A 20 percent fee hike, to balance expenditures with revenues, would cost property owners about $65 more a year.

Most of the fees the township pays go to the Easton Area Joint Sewer Authority for treatment, but fees also go to Forks, Tatamy and Wilson for using those sewer lines to get Palmer sewage to the treatment facility.

Despite the costs, supervisors agreed that the township could shoulder the burden another year.

“The economy is still difficult,” said Supervisor Robert A. Lammi. “Hopefully it will turn around next, but this year the fees should stay the same.”

All five supervisors agreed.