Conshohocken’s sewer authority ends the early payment discount program. Rate increase anticipated in the future

In a letter dated December 14, 2021, the Borough of Conshohocken Authority, which operates the borough’s sewer system, announced that it has ended a program that allowed its customers to receive a $4 discount if the bill was paid at least 15 days prior to the due date. Sewer bills are issued quarterly, so the ending of the policy will effectively cost those who took advantage of the program $16 annually.

In the letter, it states that the sewer authority’s board took this action “based on the policy not being equitable for larger, multi-unit, accounts.”

The issue was on the agenda of the sewer authority’s board on October 26th. The agenda read, “Discussion on $4 Prompt Pay Discount.” The minutes of this meeting only offer the following on the discussion:

The board discussed that the prompt pay discount and how if (sic) effects (sic) each account type. The board discussed exploring other options to help the residents going forward.

A motion was made by Mrs. Sokolowski, seconded by Ms. Smith to sunset the $4 prompt pay discount as of January 1, 2022. No opposed. Motion approved 4-0.

During a November 26th meeting, the sewer authority board discussed a customer assistance program. The minutes read:

Mr. Clarke [solicitor for the sewer authority] discussed possibilities for a Customer Assistance Program with the board. The board asked what the criteria would be for the assistance program. The board also discussed providing more education on resources that are available to customers when they are not able to pay their bill. The board gave Mr. Clarke direction to research and find out what other authorities are doing in the way of Customer assistance programs.

In other sewer authority news, during a November 16th meeting, the sewer authority board discussed a study for an anticipated rate increase in the future. From the minutes:

The board discussed beginning the process of a rate study anticipating a rate increase in the future, including other options not just the current rate structure that is currently in place.

Mrs. Sokolowski [Tina Sokolowski represents Ward 3 on Borough Council and is council’s representative on the sewer authority board] asked about rate increases for West Conshohocken and Conshohocken. Mrs. Reilly [Janene Reilly, chair of the sewer authority’s board] explained that the residents of Conshohocken would not see a rate increase due to the purchase of West Conshohocken. Mrs. Sokolowski asked if there was a way to charge the complexes and associations to take the hit rather than putting the burden on the residents.

More to come.