Brooklawn weighs small water-rate increase as treatment-plant work continues

Brooklawn councilors discussed options to bolster the borough's water fund on Oct. 2 as engineers reported progress and remaining delays on the new treatment plant.

Councilors and staff said the plant's underground piping is complete and an off-site-fabricated shed has been installed, but delivery and activation of the chlorine contact tank and the new electric service are still pending. Staff said pump replacements are delayed by American Iron and Steel procurement rules, but the existing pumps remain usable while replacements arrive.

Separately, a council member outlined a proposal to raise quarterly utility charges by $5 total'about $4 added to the water charge and $1 to sewer'which the borough estimated would generate roughly $32,000 a year. The council was told water operations are expected to be self-sustaining (charges and related revenues must remain with the water fund) and that chemical, energy and debt-service costs are increasing. Councilors said they will analyze the proposal, pursue available grants and settlement funds tied to recent regional contamination settlements, and bring an ordinance back for a formal vote rather than act immediately.

Council members also noted upcoming state-hosted meetings on a chemical-release settlement affecting area water systems; staff said they would circulate links and guidance on municipal application timelines for reimbursement programs.

Next steps: staff will provide a more detailed fiscal analysis and potential ordinance language before the council considers a formal vote on rates; engineering will report monthly on plant deliveries and activation status.