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Boonton council adopts higher water and sewer connection fees to reflect capital costs
Summary
The Boonton Town Council adopted Ordinance 9-26 to raise water and sewer connection fees for new system users, citing capital improvements and multi‑million‑dollar projects; the vote passed unanimously on roll call.
Boonton — The Town Council on April 7 adopted Ordinance 9-26, updating water and sewer connection fees measured in equivalent dwelling units (EDUs) and applying the higher rates to new users who connect to the municipal system.
Councilmember Weisman, who led the finance committee briefing, said the fees were revised because current charges had not been adjusted in roughly 15 years and the town anticipates significant capital improvements to water infrastructure. “We have very significant capital improvements planned in the future, multi‑million dollars,” Weisman said, adding that the new fees ensure new customers pay their fair share of system capacity and capital the town has already funded.
A member of the public raised concerns about the increase on fixed incomes, citing examples of EDU-related fees rising from about $2,100 to $3,000 for certain connections. The commenter said such changes can be burdensome for residents and small property owners. Council members responded that the increases apply to new connections and are intended to cover the capital costs that existing ratepayers have already borne.
Mayor Lynch and the council recorded a roll‑call vote adopting Ordinance 9-26; the council’s roll call recorded affirmative votes from Mr. Balin, Ms. Casciano, Ms. Devenezia, Ms. Lopez, Ms. Mazie, Mr. Mean, Mr. Weisman, Mr. Wakulski and Mayor Lynch. The ordinance updates connection fee schedules based on EDUs; the ordinance text and the municipal CFO’s presentation are on the town website, the council said.
Why it matters: The fee update shifts a larger portion of upfront infrastructure costs to new development and customers connecting to the system, which the council said will help fund planned water and sewer capital projects.
What’s next: The council reiterated the budget public hearing is scheduled for May 4, when the council will vote on the municipal budget. Staff and the finance committee are expected to provide additional fee schedules and the CFO’s calculations online for public review.
