Committee Approves Short-Term Consulting Expense for Sewage Enforcement While New Staff Train

The Bethlehem City Council Finance Committee voted 2-0 to recommend legislation placing funds in the general fund to pay Hanover Engineering for consulting related to on‑lot septic system enforcement while the city trains two new employees for sewage enforcement certification.

A representative for the administration explained the Health Bureau must have a certified sewage enforcement officer to perform site visits and percolation testing when residents seek septic repairs or expansions. The city’s previously certified employee left, and the administration said two new employees are currently obtaining the certification. In the interim the city has contracted with Hanover Engineering to perform required sewage enforcement work.

During the discussion Committee Member Rachel Leon asked whether the city should maintain an in‑house position or continue using third‑party contractors for the work. Administration staff clarified that the city does not have a dedicated sewage enforcement officer position; rather, the certification is an add‑on that current health staff can obtain. The administration said training two staff members should remove the need for ongoing outsourcing once they complete certification.

The administration also cited the Pennsylvania Local Health Administration Law, Act 315, as the legal basis requiring municipalities to perform certain health services, including sewage enforcement responsibilities. The committee’s action was limited to recommending the administration’s budget adjustment and placing appropriate legislation on the full council agenda; no permanent staffing change or long‑term procurement decision was made at the committee meeting.