During a recent council meeting, resident John Pacilio raised significant concerns regarding the Chester Water Authority, which is currently in receivership. Pacilio expressed anxiety over potential rate increases for residents if a new entity were to acquire the authority, citing past experiences in Upper Marion Township where rates tripled following a takeover by Aqua. He urged the council to take a proactive stance in monitoring the situation and to keep the community informed, emphasizing that the issue affects all residents in Delaware County.
Pacilio called for greater representation from the borough at meetings concerning the Chester Water Authority, suggesting that local officials, including the mayor and council members, should actively participate in discussions to advocate for the community's interests. He highlighted the importance of collaboration with state representatives, noting previous support from State Representative Krueger and others in the fight against potential adverse changes.
In a separate discussion, council members clarified a misrepresentation regarding a lawsuit settlement involving a resident named Don Jones. The settlement amount was confirmed to be $12,000, with the borough responsible for $5,000 of that total. The decision to settle was made by the borough's insurance company, not the council.
The meeting underscored the community's concerns about local governance and the financial implications of external management of essential services, as well as the need for transparency and active engagement from local officials in matters affecting residents' livelihoods.