What’s the 422?

Property tax rates might be holding steady in 2010, but wastewater bills in Limerick Township are expected to increase 8 percent.

In September 2008, the Limerick Board of Supervisors completed a lengthy takeover – or “dissolution” – of the previously independent Limerick Township Municipal Authority.

The legal battle between LTMA board members and supervisors cost the township $152,012 in attorneys fees, according to the 2010 proposed township budget. Accounting and auditing fees totaled $17,950 that year, significantly less than the $900 projected for 2009.

Township Manager Dan Kerr explained in his budget address that the sewer system is operating at a deficit “because of the decline in new development fees and steady increase in regulation and costs.”

For example, each time a new connection is made to the public sewer system, the user must pay a $4,826 tapping fee. This coming year, 53 new connections are expected, including 34 at Sanatoga Springs (Costco).

Kerr also said routine and long-term capital upgrades have been damaged by this slowed construction trend. The township now maintains two sewer plants (King Road and Possum Hollow) and 16 pump stations.

In fact, $21,457 in reserve funds are required to balance the $3.08 million sewer operating budget.

Rates have typically increased every two years between 8 and 10 percent, the budget states. There are approximately 5,300 customers using the system. Bills are issued quarterly, with the minimum bill in 2009 coming in at $75.06, according to the budget.

The next supervisors meeting is Thursday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. inside the township building (646 W. Ridge Pike).