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Palmyra council approves first reading of sewer-billing changes, orders credits and cap for current period
Summary
Council approved Ordinance 2024-18 on first reading to raise the household allowance to 11,000 gallons, cap billed usage at 30,000 gallons for this period and direct credits/refunds; the change affects about 1,067 residences and triggers immediate adjustments to October bills under a related resolution.
Mayor Gina Ragomo Tait presided as the Borough of Palmyra council approved Ordinance 2024-18 on first reading on Oct. 7, 2024, adopting temporary changes to Chapter 215 (Sewer) intended to soften the impact of recent water-usage bills.
The ordinance sets a one-time billing cap of 30,000 gallons for this measurement period for 51 residences and raises the standard allowance for all residences from 9,000 to 11,000 gallons. Borough staff estimated the 30,000-gallon cap would cost the borough about $8,055 in overage fees and the increase to 11,000 gallons would cost about $30,075 for the community. Officials said affected accounts will receive either a $15 or $30 credit on the next bill depending on prior billing bands (129 accounts entitled to $15; 938 accounts entitled to $30) or a refund where appropriate.
Mayor Tait read the ordinance changes aloud and asked for a motion; President Timothy Howard moved and Jessica O'Connor seconded. The roll call vote was recorded as in favor: John Liebe, Jessica O'Connor and President Howard; the motion carried. The council also passed Resolution 2024-218 to apply the ordinance amendments immediately and direct the tax collector to apply the changes to sewer bills due Oct. 1.
Residents during public comment pressed for clarity. Park Avenue resident Mr. Gasper said he believed the billing disadvantaged non-Harbour residents who irrigate lawns and questioned why Harbour calculations used a different baseline; borough staff indicated there is a process to request adjustments and directed residents to the tax office. Ms. Cheltenham asked about the senior discount that had been removed; Mayor Tait and Mr. Gural explained the policy origins and said changes could be revisited.
Councilors said the temporary measures should limit immediate customer hardship while the borough reviews longer-term billing policy. Officials said after this billing period the borough will revert to water-usage-based billing but keep the 11,000-gallon allowance as the new baseline for residences.
