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Lewistown reviews sewer delinquencies, shutoff schedule and new funding avenues including potential PennVest loans
Summary
Council received an update showing utility billing delinquencies rose then fell between Jan. 1 and April 1; staff said shutoff notices for the first billing cycle will be posted in April and reported ongoing outreach and multiple grant/loan conversations including potential PennVest financing and state budget funding.
Lewistown Borough staff reported on sewer billing delinquencies and on ongoing efforts to identify funding for sewer infrastructure projects.
Staff presented delinquency data for utility billing from Jan. 1 through April 1 showing the percentage of delinquencies moved from roughly 5.19% up to about 6.30% and then declined by April 1; staff said shutoff notices for cycle-one delinquencies will be posted in April and that internal staff would begin outreach and enforcement actions. Council and staff noted shutoffs are a moving target because accounts cycle through 30/60/90-day past-due classifications.
Separately, staff said the borough is pursuing multiple funding avenues for sewer infrastructure including early discussions about PennVest (a Pennsylvania infrastructure loan program) where staff said the borough could look at $10 million to $15 million in PennVest borrowing for sewer projects, and that there may be ways to reduce that amount through state or grant assistance or adjustments to consent-decree obligations. Staff described an upcoming press release and outreach with state and federal representatives and said a meeting or press event with Representative Benninghoff and partners was planned.
Why it matters: Delinquent accounts and potential shutoffs affect revenue collection and cash flow for operations, and large wastewater capital projects will require significant financing and coordination with state programs and neighboring townships.
Other operational detail: staff flagged a potential "sewer reduction meter" for borough facilities that fill street sweepers and wash vehicles; such a meter (staff quoted roughly $234 per meter from the water company) can reduce sewer charges for water that does not enter the wastewater system (for example, water used for vehicle washing that is not returned to sewer). Council asked staff to investigate meter costs and whether the borough or individual stations should purchase/install them.
Ending: Staff will continue delinquency outreach, post shutoff notices for cycle-one accounts in April and continue grant and loan discussions; council requested updates on grant prospects and on the sewer-reduction meter analysis.
