Tarentum adopts updated utility customer‑service rules, moves to advertise new water and electric ordinances

Tarentum Borough Council voted unanimously on Oct. 14 to replace its decades‑old utility policy and to publish updated ordinances for the water and electric departments.

Borough Manager Dwight Bodorf told council the 1996 water customer‑service policy was “only one paragraph” and did not reflect current meter technology, meter‑testing procedures or an appeals process. Council adopted Resolution 25‑18 (2025 utility customer services and operations) to replace the old policy and directed staff to post the updated policy online.

Manager Bodorf said the borough has been shifting electric and water operations toward more in‑house control, has secured a supply contract with American Municipal Power to lower long‑term electric supply costs, and is addressing supply‑chain delays for smart meters. “On the water side, we've reorganized operations by shifting the plant to two shifts, cross‑training staff for distribution work, developing leak detection protocols, and establishing formal dispute processes for residents,” Bodorf said.

Council also authorized the advertisement of Electric Ordinance 25‑08 and Water Ordinance 25‑09 to begin the formal public‑review process. Bodorf said the ordinances will be posted for the required advertisement period and returned to council for possible adoption at a subsequent meeting.

The updated customer‑service policy and the proposed ordinances include provisions for accuracy testing, an appeal process for disputed meter reads and language reflecting the borough’s transition to smart meters. Councilmembers asked staff to include clear guidance on stormwater and right‑of‑way impacts where applicable and to publish timelines for appeals and tests.

No objections to the policy or the ordinance advertisements were recorded; both actions passed 7‑0.