Lock Haven City Council has taken a significant step towards acquiring the local water and sewer systems from Lockheed, as discussed in their recent meeting on July 24, 2023. The council has requested that the city attorney draft an ordinance to express this intent, which aims to establish a joint municipal authority with Cascadocia and Wayne townships. This move is designed to streamline the management of the water systems and avoid the lengthy process of seeking approval from the Public Utility Commission (PUC) for rate changes.

The urgency behind this decision stems from alarming projections regarding water rate increases. A recent study indicated that residents could face average annual increases of at least 11% over the next decade, with some years potentially seeing hikes of over 28%. The council believes that by owning and operating the utility systems, they can maintain greater flexibility in addressing these financial challenges.

During the meeting, council members emphasized the importance of local control over the water systems, arguing that it would allow for more effective solutions to be implemented without the burden of frequent PUC applications. The discussion highlighted the financial implications for residents, as the costs associated with rate increases could significantly impact household budgets.

In addition to the water system acquisition, the council addressed other operational matters, but the focus remained on the utility systems and their management. The decision to pursue a joint municipal authority marks a proactive approach to ensuring sustainable water services for the community.

As the council moves forward with drafting the ordinance, residents can expect updates on the progress and implications of this initiative, which aims to secure a more stable and manageable water service for Lock Haven.