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Bethel Park sewer rates increasing

By Susan Schmeichel 2 min read

Bethel Park residents can expect to see the rate they pay for sewage service to increase beginning in November.

Council members are expected to vote Sept. 9 on the rate increase, which will be implemented in three phases.

According to the municipal website, as of January the fees included a $10 monthly service charge per premise plus a $6.34 fee for every 1,000 gallons of water used.

Under the proposed rate increase, the service charge would go up to $13 a month with the price per 1,000 gallons used being raised to $7 beginning in November. In May 2014, the price per 1,000 gallons would be $7.40, with that rate being increased to $7.60 in November 2014, explained Joe Villella, finance director.

Villella said the proposed rate increase is in response to a reduction in water usage by residents.

Earlier this year, council approved a $26 million bond issue to finance upgrades to the sewage treatment plant the municipality shares with South Park Township.

Funding from the bond issue will be used to complete a list of projects recommended by the municipal engineer and will be part of a five-year plan to replace and upgrade sewer lines, replace equipment at the plant and to upgrade the sewage plant building, which was built in 1957.

Council members said that even with the increase, municipal sewage fees will cost approximately one percent of the average homeowner’s income.

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