Borough residents may see water and sewer go up

STANHOPE-Borough residents can expect to pay more for water and sewage if an ordinance introduced last week, which will increase the fees for those using the municipal sewer system, is approved. The quarterly flat fee would increase from $98 to $147 and the consumption charge would increase from $1.30 to $1.95 per 1,000 gallons of water per quarter. The last increase was in 1998. Mayor Diana Kuncken said that the primary reason for the increase was the charges the borough pays to the Musconetcong Sewerage Authority for the treatment of sewage generated within Stanhope. In 1993, all of the members of the authority signed new service agreements to pay for improvements and upgrades to the sewage treatment plant mandated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Prior to that time, the municipal fee was approximately $25,000 per year but has since increased to an average of $330,000. In addition, the borough also pays for treating the sewage generated within its borders. For 2005, the total cost will be $678,378.19. The new fee will be phased in with the second quarter of 2005, allowing the lower rate to prevail for the first quarter. Public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for March 22.