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Administrator warns of $240,000 shortfall; council told water/sewer rate hike and American Water referendum are possible
Summary
Administrator Marino said the borough ended 2025 with a roughly $240,000 deficit and proposed a $25 per‑quarter increase to water/sewer rates to move the fund into surplus; Mayor said a privatization contract with American Water would be decided by referendum.
Administrator Marino reported a year‑end shortfall of about $240,000 and recommended raising water and sewer (W&S) rates in the first quarter of 2026. On the record he said the proposed increase would be "$25 for each per quarter," a change he said would help move the W&S fund out of the red and could produce an estimated $426,000 net at year‑end 2026 if implemented.
Separately, Mayor Giovannitti said any deal with American Water would not be decided by the governing body but would go to residents as a referendum. Councilman Singleton asked whether the borough had other bidders; Administrator Marino confirmed Aquia and American Water had been discussed. Council members raised staffing and service concerns during the discussion; Administrator Marino said he would investigate senior assistance programs tied to potential rate changes.
