Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Paulsboro council adopts water and sewer rate increase to address $400,000 shortfall
Summary
The Borough Council adopted Ordinance O.26.01 raising water and sewer flat rates after Borough Treasurer Judson Moore reported a $400,000 utility fund shortfall; the ordinance passed 5–1 with Councilwoman Armistead opposing.
The Borough Council of Paulsboro voted to adopt Ordinance O.26.01 on Feb. 10, 2026, increasing flat water and sewer charges after officials said the utility fund is facing a $400,000 deficit.
Borough Treasurer Judson Moore told the council that “the Borough is $400,000 in the hole going into 2026 budget,” noting earlier shortfalls in 2024 and 2025. Moore said state law expects municipal utilities to be self-liquidating, and the council discussed revenue options and rising costs, including a doubling in the price of carbon filters for the water-treatment station.
The ordinance sets a flat sewer rate of $131.00 per unit per quarter ($524.00 per year) and a flat water rate of $119.00 per 15,000 gallons per unit per quarter ($476 per year), an increase of $26.00 per quarter for each combined water and sewer bill. Council President Thomas said the alternative would be raising property taxes: “We would have to raise taxes 14 cents just to cover W&S,” he said during council discussion.
The measure passed on second reading with a 5–1 vote; Councilwoman Armistead cast the lone dissent. Council members noted the Gloucester County Utilities Authority’s annual sewer increases and other uncontrollable costs as drivers of the decision. Officials projected the Borough can pay down the current utility deficit within about three years if the new rates are fully implemented.
The council scheduled no further local hearings on the ordinance; it is now adopted and included in the 2026 municipal budget.
