Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Sewer Billing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Palmyra residents say new sewer billing caused steep spikes; council to reexamine calculations
Summary
Residents told the Borough of Palmyra council on Sept. 16 that a new water‑usage‑based sewer billing method produced large increases — one resident said his bill rose "over 300%" — and council members said they will review calculations and consider using surplus funds to offset charges.
At the Borough of Palmyra council meeting on Sept. 16, multiple residents urged the council to reexamine a recent switch to water‑usage‑based sewer billing after they reported sharp increases in their sewer charges.
Mr. Peters of Blue Heron Court told the council his sewer bill "went up over 300% and is more than his water bill," and asked whether the borough could use surplus funds to offset the increases. Several other residents said they had seen large increases and voiced concern that the change disproportionately affects seniors and larger households.
Ms. Johns, Palmyra Tax Collector, told the meeting the borough moved to usage‑based billing and that a flat senior deduction was eliminated because sewer charges are now tied to water usage; she said an income‑based senior deduction remains available to qualifying seniors. "If you see a spike in your water bill, you should contact NJ American Water Company," Ms. Johns said, noting that a spike can indicate a leak and that the borough will adjust sewer charges if the water company revises its billed usage.
Council and staff described the mechanics of the change as part of an effort to bill sewer based on measured water use and said sewer fees had not been raised since 2021. Borough Administrator Mr. Gural said transferring funds from the general surplus to the sewer utility budget was a possibility under existing rules but emphasized the sewer utility needs sufficient revenue to operate and complete required projects, such as planned replacements and pump station upgrades.
During public comment residents raised questions about the baseline allowances used in calculations — one commenter asked why Harbour residents receive an 11,000‑gallon allowance while others receive 9,000 — and urged clearer communication. The council did not vote on a billing change at the meeting but said staff would reexamine the calculations, check whether NJ American Water adjustments require corresponding sewer adjustments, and report back.
The council offered residents assistance with individual account questions; Ms. Johns said she would be available in the tax office to review bills and eligibility for income‑based deductions. The council did not adopt an immediate policy change at the Sept. 16 meeting; members indicated the matter would return for further review and possible financial adjustments.
