Recycling and sewage rates will increase in Lower Burrell, and officials say there wasn’t much, if anything, they could do about it.
An average sewage bill in the city will increase by $48, about 8%, this year. Recycling will increase $8, or 12.5%.
“We take any fee increase seriously, but in this case there were no responsible alternatives given the costs we’re facing,” said Mayor Chris Fabry. “The sewer increase was necessary due to aging infrastructure and rising operational costs, while recycling is a state-mandated service and the rate simply reflects what it costs the city to provide it.”
For the average household, based on a usage of 10,000 gallons per quarter, sewage bills would go from about $162 to $175 per quarter.
The average monthly increase would be about $4, from $55 to $59.
Each year, Lower Burrell is required to remit a sewer revenue payment to the Municipal Sanitary Authority of the City of New Kensington. The assessment funds regional wastewater treatment and compliance obligations.
MSANK increased its annual revenue assessment for Lower Burrell by 5%, from $2.177 million to $2.284 million, according to city officials. Lower Burrell decided to pass the increase on to customers to balance its sewer fund.
Officials said previously the 5% rate hike reflects MSANK’s cost increase and supports operations.
Lower Burrell is responsible for operation and maintenance of its sewage system infrastructure, pump station upkeep and energy costs, as well as debt service on capital improvements.
The city’s recycling contract with Waste Management dictates an increase every year per residential unit charged to the city.
The residential rate charged last year was $5.33 per unit month, or $16 per quarter.
This year, recycling rates increase to $6 per month, or $18 per quarter.
