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Palmyra residents press council on new usage-based sewer billing and senior discount
Summary
During public comment residents asked when usage-based sewer billing starts, raised concerns about a reduced senior discount and asked why condominiums receive a higher included-gallon allowance; borough officials said billing will begin with the October cycle and income-qualified veteran and senior discounts remain available.
Residents used the public-comment portion of the Aug. 19 council meeting to press the borough about changes to sewer billing and whether a senior discount would be removed.
Mr. Endres (3rd Street) asked when the usage-based sewer billing starts and whether rates would rise; Mayor Tait said usage sewer billing will begin with the October billing cycle and that the base fee will increase slightly. Mr. Gural explained there are two discounts — a veterans discount and an income‑qualified senior discount — and outlined how they operate.
Harbour Drive resident Mrs. Rix asked how the new rates will affect the Harbour condominiums; Mr. Gural said borough staff will meet with the association to explain the billing mechanics. Rowland Street resident Ms. Veitenheimer said many seniors she spoke with were "devastated because they are taking away the sixty‑five senior discount," and questioned why the Harbour units receive 11,000 gallons before additional fees while single‑family residents get 9,000 gallons.
Officials responded that the borough's gallon allocations and fee calculations are not directly comparable with other municipalities because of differing local factors and that staff will provide further explanations and meetings for residents.
What happens next: usage billing begins with October invoicing and borough staff will schedule outreach to explain discounts and allocations to affected associations and residents.
