Spring Lake Heights council adopts water and sewer rate increases over one dissent

The Spring Lake Heights Borough Council voted Dec. 16 to raise water and sewer rates, adopting two ordinances after a presentation from borough Special Engineer David Sheldon of H2M Engineering and a public hearing. The measures passed 4–1; Councilwoman Sara King cast the sole Nay vote and Councilman Leonard Capristo was absent.

Sheldon told the council that revisions proposed in Ordinances 2024-24 and 2024-25 include changing the base tier from 9,000 gallons per quarter to 6,000 gallons, reflecting the borough average and intended to rebalance utility revenue against capital needs. He said new New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection treatment and maintenance requirements and needed system upgrades drove the recommendation.

Mayor Christopher Campion said the hikes are intended to make up for nearly 12 years without a rate increase and to fund a long-term plan for system improvements. Councilman John Casagrande cited recent operational problems—including roughly 16 water main breaks and several sewer line collapses—and described ongoing repair and replacement work the borough must finance.

"The plan is a long term, 10-year plan to increase the water sewer revenue," Borough Administrator John Barrett said, describing the intent to self-fund outstanding capital projects if budgets permit. Special Engineer Sheldon estimated the proposed changes would bring approximately $500,000 in additional revenue, about $340,000 from water and the remainder from sewer.

Councilwoman Sara King said she objected to increasing rates while usage is declining and told colleagues she wanted a workshop and more supporting figures before introducing the ordinances. Mayor Campion and other council members responded that inflation, deferred maintenance and new regulatory requirements constrained options.

After public questions from resident Richard Thumann about projected revenue and who would be affected by the reduced base tier, the council closed the hearing and adopted Ordinance 2024-24 (sewer rates) and Ordinance 2024-25 (water rates). Both ordinances were adopted on motions by Councilman John Casagrande, seconded by Councilman Christopher Willms; each passed 4–1 (King Nay; Capristo absent).

The council and staff said the revenue will be used to address aging infrastructure (members noted much of the system is 85–100 years old and only a small percentage has been updated so far) and to meet DEP requirements. Borough officials also emphasized that utility funds are separate from the general tax levy and that property taxes do not subsidize water/sewer operations.

Next steps include implementation of the revised rate tiers and incorporating the increases into the borough’s capital planning; officials framed the change as part of a multi-year capital and maintenance strategy rather than an immediate service expansion or new program.