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Allendale officials flag 12.25% water price increase, say they are pursuing advocacy and legal options
Summary
Councilmembers reported that Allendale residents experienced a 12.25% water price increase effective June 1 and said the borough’s rate‑advocacy group has petitioned the Board of Public Utilities; the council is collecting resident complaints and exploring potential breach‑of‑contract remedies.
Council members raised water and sewer service as a priority concern at the Allendale Borough Council meeting, reporting that the municipality experienced a 12.25% water price increase effective June 1 and that several residents reported unusually large bills.
Councilwoman Homman said the borough has been meeting with Northwest Bergen Sewer Authority to identify aging sewer infrastructure and infiltration issues that will require repairs and likely budget funding in 2025. On water billing, Homman said the mayor and the council’s rate‑advocacy group have sent letters to the Board of Public Utilities and to other municipalities to raise concerns about rate increases and possible sales of local water systems.
The council reported that it has collected contact information from residents who reported high bills and asked the utility’s customer service (Folia) to reach out. The clerk and staff encouraged residents to call Folia at 855‑367‑6708 and request a supervisor if initial calls do not resolve the issue. Council members said they are consulting with legal counsel to explore whether breach‑of‑contract claims or other remedies are available, and they pledged to update residents on developments.
No specific dollar amounts, detailed timelines for repairs, or firm legal strategies were recorded in the meeting; council members repeatedly emphasized that the town is pursuing administrative and legal avenues while also seeking to identify sewer repair needs for the 2025 budget.
