Westchester council adopts 3% increase to monthly sewer rates, effective Feb. 1, 2026

The Westchester Borough Council on a unanimous roll call approved an ordinance amending Chapter 89, Section 89‑11 of the borough code to raise monthly sewer rates roughly 3 percent, with the change set to take effect Feb. 1, 2026.

Borough staff opened the publicly advertised hearing by explaining the amendment is narrowly focused on rate calculations in Section 89‑11 and that notices were posted for public inspection and in the local paper. A council member said rising costs for water‑treatment materials, including chemicals used to remove phosphates, as well as required electrical upgrades at the treatment plant, are the primary reasons the borough must increase rates.

"It's basically a 3% increase from what they currently are today," the briefing said. Officials noted the effective date in the ordinance is Feb. 1, 2026.

A council member moved to approve the ordinance; the motion was seconded and borough Manager Metrick called the roll. Each council member present voted in favor and the presiding officer closed the public‑hearing portion before moving into the regular voting session.

The ordinance amends municipal code language for how monthly sewer charges are computed; staff said the change is intended to keep the sewer fund solvent while covering higher operating and capital expenses at the treatment facility. No formal amendment to the motion was recorded during the hearing.

Next steps: the ordinance becomes effective on Feb. 1, 2026, as written in the adopted Section 89‑11.