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Brielle council introduces water-sewer ordinance that committee says lowers typical quarterly bills by 20%
Summary
The Brielle Mayor and Council introduced a first-reading amendment to Chapter 15 (Sewer and Water) that, according to the Public Resource Committee report read at the meeting, would reduce the average quarterly rate by 20% and raise the usage threshold from 5,000 to 10,000 gallons; residents raised objections about a $110 reservoir fee and higher overall bills during public comment.
The Brielle Mayor and Council on Jan. 5 introduced, on first reading, an amendment to Chapter 15 of the borough code governing sewer and water that the Public Resource Committee says will cut the average quarterly charge by 20% and raise the usage threshold from 5,000 to 10,000 gallons per quarter.
Administrator Nolan read the committee’s report, saying the committee and consultant Pat Cole of H2M had reviewed last year’s ordinance and newly installed meter data and concluded the proposed changes “will significantly lower costs for the average user.” The report noted recent rate spikes resulted from debt service for two water-tank replacements over the past seven years.
The amendment was introduced for first reading and ordered published for a Jan. 26 public hearing.
During the public-comment period several residents pressed the council on current bills and the recently added Manasquan River reservoir charge. Resident Daniel Burke asked how many homes still needed new meters and said he believed the $110 reservoir charge was being collected without proper authorization, adding that “approximately one million dollars had been charged to residents and should be returned.” Administrator Nolan responded that he would check meter coverage and defended the fee as necessary for debt service, citing a standard saving clause in ordinances that reconciles inconsistencies with prior measures.
Kelly Gaffney of Homestead Road said her bill rose about 60–65% and said a bill notation showed “water rental” twice; Nolan said the second line was the reservoir fee that had been added by the water operator. Burke urged the council to prioritize lowering the base charge and shift more costs to heavy users, and to investigate unaccounted-for water and leaks.
The ordinance’s introduction does not finalize rates; the council scheduled a public hearing on Jan. 26 when residents may comment again before a final vote. The committee said it will continue to monitor incoming meter data and advise the council and public if further adjustments are needed.
