Council discusses tightening sewer and refuse delinquency timeline

Borough staff told council they are reviewing the borough's sewer and refuse delinquency process and considering shortening the current 35-day delinquency window used before scheduling shutoffs.

The borough manager said bills are typically mailed before the month begins and become delinquent on the first of the month following the billing month; staff then mail a 35-day delinquent notice and, if unpaid, post the property for shutoff with a 10-day posting requirement under current practice. The manager said "I personally would like to maybe try to shorten that 35 day window down to like maybe 20 or 25 days and try to get this closer to 1 month following the due date so it's a quicker, cleaner process." The manager said staff will review the Water Services Act and report back on whether a shorter timeline is permissible under state law.

Code-enforcement staff member Caitlin explained that once the water is shut off a property is condemned and that field staff place door hangers when properties are posted for shutoff. Caitlin also noted operational issues with coordination between the borough and the water authority: the water authority will restore water service if the water bill is paid even when a sewer account remains delinquent, and borough staff said they are working with the water company to ensure the water remains off when sewer remains unpaid.

Council members discussed examples from neighboring municipalities that use shorter notice periods or staged fees and said staff should return with a more specific proposal. The manager said staff hopes to present options with specific timelines and fee structures at the August meeting.

No formal policy change was adopted at the meeting; council asked staff to research statutory requirements and practical coordination with the water authority before bringing ordinance or fee changes for formal action.