Board debates new ordinance to allow water shutoffs for unpaid sewer charges; staff to redraft

Township staff presented a proposed ordinance that would permit the township, working with Aqua (the water system owner), to pursue termination of water service for qualifying cases of nonpayment of municipal sewer charges.

Staff reported delinquent sewer accounts total roughly $351,000 and said current remedies—regular delinquency notices, liens, and litigation—are time‑consuming and sometimes settled only at property sale. Presenter Chris described the proposed termination remedy as "an option of last resort" intended to prompt delinquent account holders to engage on payment plans and said certain exemptions (bankruptcy, bona fide medical need) would be preserved.

Board members and residents questioned the policy’s equity and operational implications. Concerns raised included whether the township should use water shutoffs for collection when sewer charges are not tied to actual water consumption, the administrative burden of notice and appeal procedures, and potential public‑health or emergency risks. Several supervisors said they would not broadly support shutting off water for residents with demonstrated hardship; one supervisor suggested limiting the remedy to habitual delinquents — staff recommended aligning the threshold with the township’s lien policy and asked the board to consider applying the tool only for accounts behind by four quarters (roughly one year).

Township solicitor and staff noted the state Water Service Act authorizes municipal water termination in certain circumstances but stressed careful drafting is required. The board did not vote to adopt the ordinance; instead members asked staff and the solicitor to revise the draft — clarifying notice steps, who issues notices, how Aqua’s standard agreement would be used, and a proposed delinquency threshold — and to return the refined ordinance for a December meeting.