Lower Pottsgrove Authority moves to raise quarterly sewer fee by $6 amid Pottstown cost jump

The Lower Pottsgrove Township Authority moved on Nov. 12 to adjust its 2025 operating outlook after receiving details of a sharp cost increase from the Borough of Pottstown, which supplies wastewater treatment services.

Authority Manager Edward C. Wagner told the board the Borough’s allocation rose from $826,000 to $1,120,000, leaving Lower Pottsgrove with a roughly $72,000 projected deficit. Wagner and Engineer Fred Ebert said the 34% increase cited by Pottstown includes about $167,000 for salaries and benefits, roughly $200,000 for a belt filter press and more than $350,000 for dryer repairs. Wagner said staff expect a reconditioned belt filter press to be on site in April and active by July, which they estimate would cut chemical costs by about half.

To address the gap, Wagner initially recommended a $5 quarterly increase. After discussion about reserve cushions and prior increases, the Authority agreed to raise the quarterly sewer rate by 4% — approximately $6 per quarter — and directed Wagner to adjust the draft 2025 operating and capital budgets. The item will return for a formal vote at the Authority’s Dec. 9 meeting.

Commissioners and staff discussed tradeoffs including reserve levels and whether to consider a larger increase to avoid a second increase next year. Mr. McGeehan asked how the modest $5 proposal would cover unexpected repairs; Wagner said the draft budget includes $50,000 for contingencies and that staff aimed for a conservative first-step increase after last year’s $14 rise.

Also noted in the meeting: Rolling Hills requested postponing lateral video inspection and repairs until 2025 because its management company did not budget for the work in 2024; the Authority had no objection. The Authority will finalize a rate ordinance or fee schedule at the December meeting if members vote to adopt the recommended adjustment.