Borough Commissioners introduced an ordinance on Jan. 28, which will change the rate structure for the water and sewer bills. This ordinance also includes a significant rate increase. A letter which explains the new rate structure and increase will arrive in mailboxes in the next few days. A copy of the letter can be found on the borough website. Included on the website is a rate calculator, which residents can use to assist them in determining what affect the new structure will have on their household.
The new rate structure and increase were recommended by a citizens volunteer committee that has been tasked with assessing the water and sewer utility. This group has been meeting frequently since August. They have studied the system and its current operations, and agreed that rates must be increased to cover needed operational and maintenance expenses.
A portion of the proposed increase is a result of lower water usage during 2013. There was a decrease in billable water usage of approximately 10 percent throughout the year. This decrease can be attributed to the increased rainfall during the year. Additionally, the borough has been investing significantly in infrastructure improvements over the past six years. Debt service increases contribute to more than half of the proposed increase.
Commissioner Moscatelli, and members of the citizen volunteer committee, are hosting an informational meeting on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7:00 p.m. All residents are encouraged to attend.
For further information, contact the borough commissioners, or Sharon McCullough at (856) 429–4700. McCullough’s email contact is smccullough@haddonfield-nj.gov.
