Authority authorizes tapping-fee study as York Water capacity options examined

The Stewartstown Borough Sewer & Water Authority voted unanimously to authorize an updated tapping-fee study after Engineer Jason Brenneman laid out options for addressing future water capacity needs tied to purchases from York Water.

Brenneman told the board that an increase of $1,500 per equivalent dwelling unit (EDU) — from $2,900 to $4,400 — could generate roughly $814,000 from the 185 proposed units currently on the table, and that a $2 million, 30-year loan at 4% would cost about $10,000 per month. "Why aren't they paying for the infrastructure upgrades? There may be booster pumps that need to be replaced. Why are we footing the whole bill? These are questions we need to ask them," Brenneman said, urging the board to press York Water on responsibility for upgrades.

Board members discussed system hydraulics and operational contingencies. Brenneman noted the Authority can currently pump about 150 gpm from each well and purchase up to 300 gpm from York Water; upgrades could increase purchased capacity to 400 gpm. He also cautioned that DEP rules constrain declaring the system "at capacity," and recommended a SCADA review with Supervisor Ira Walker, Jr. to analyze well run-times and overnight tower refill dynamics. Mrs. Mohan moved to authorize the tapping-fee study; Mr. Cook seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.