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Sewer authority tables tapping-fee change, reviews accounts and municipal-lien options
Summary
The board reviewed account balances and approved the Treasurer’s report and bill payments; Rettew presented a tapping-fee calculation with a theoretical maximum of $14,301.09 per EDU but the board voted to table approval of a new tapping fee. The solicitor outlined sheriff-sale procedures for municipal liens and recommended waiting until balances approach $5,000.
The Paradise Township Sewer Authority on Nov. 3 reviewed its finances, discussed potential rate and tapping-fee adjustments, and considered options for pursuing municipal liens.
Treasurer Kaitlyn Jones reviewed September transactions and reported account balances as of Sept. 30, 2025: administrative checking $214,540.32; Truist grant account $415,516.27; Truist OLDS account $19,093.45. Jones noted extra September expenses tied to plant operator costs and township staff time but said October expenses are expected to better align with budget projections. The board approved the Treasurer’s report and payment of bills on a motion by J.B. Stoltzfus, seconded by Dave Bowman; the motion carried unanimously.
Aaron Dewald of Rettew presented a tapping-fee calculation showing a theoretical maximum fee of $14,301.09 per equivalent dwelling unit (EDU). The minutes note the board last considered a tapping-fee increase in 2019, when the calculated amount exceeded $9,000 but the board set the fee at $5,000. On a motion by J.B. Stoltzfus, seconded by Kaitlyn Jones, the board tabled action on approving a new tapping fee to a future meeting.
Kaitlyn Jones also presented a listing of outstanding municipal-lien claims and highlighted four customer accounts with balances above $2,000. Solicitor Susan P. Peipher explained the process for reducing municipal liens to judgments and pursuing sheriff sales, noting the sheriff’s costs would require an advance of $2,500 per property; she recommended considering sheriff-sale execution when balances approach $5,000. Susan will perform property-title searches for mortgages or other encumbrances and report back at the next meeting.
A public commenter suggested that, if tapping fees are increased in the future, the Authority should issue a letter defining tapping fees so customers understand the basis for any change.
