Sussex to raise water, sewer fees

SUSSEX BOROUGH — The Sussex Borough recently voted 4-1, with one abstention, to increase the water/sewer system fees.

Councilwoman Georgeanna Stoll voted against the increase because residents are already struggling to pay their utility bills.

Councilman Robert Holowach abstained in order to protect the borough against the cost of a possible recall election. Some believed he was against raising rates, although the caveat during his election was rates would not be raised if the utility was sold, which it was not.

During discussion, Councilman Mario Poggi said the Council could lower rates at any time if things go better than planned.

“Plan for the worst, and then you can always adjust for the best,” he said.

Council President Linda Masson said the borough had not raised rates in four years, and the utility is a very old system. She also said regarding the Realignment of Route 23, workers are hitting the lines all the time.

In the future, Masson said the council needs to discuss selling off allocations to get closer to what the borough uses, and the hook-up fees are too low.

Holowach said that it was “almost criminal” not to put money into the system. He said the public said they want to own [the utility], and now it has to be maintained. “Democracy rules,” he said.

Other borough businessThe council also approved a grant-writer contract not to exceed $36,000 to Bruno Associates of Clifton. Both Masson and Holowach were positive about Mr. Bruno after interviewing three different possibilities and reviewing a fourth.

Masson said that they were impressed with Bruno's knowledge, connections, and optimism for the Borough.

The council also postponed the approval of its 2015 budget to Tuesday, April 7 because David Mitchell, the chairman of the Clove Lake Maintenance Committee, requested $1,000 to clean up the shoreline and harvest the invasive Water Chestnut species in Clove Lake.

Mitchell also discussed 2016 and 2017 plans such as: a general consultation by a professional lake management company and aerating the lake in order to fix the bacteria and vegetation problems. Ultimately, he would like the lake to be available for fishing and swimming.

Poggi said that cleaning up and restoring the lake would be another economic driver; and Councilwoman Katherine Little said that the lake is a big asset for Sussex Borough.