NORTHERN CAMBRIA — Borough Council unanimously approved the West Branch Sewer Authority’s Act 537 plan, which proposes extending sewer lines to about 510 households in Barr Township.
Residents in the villages of Nicktown, Bakerton, Barnes and Watkins would benefit from the $13 million project if it is approved by the state Department of Environmental Protection.
The project also hinges on a funding package from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utility Service.
Council’s action Monday evening was a complete turnaround from last month’s decision, when members stipulated that they would sign a resolution approving the plan only if the authority agreed not to raise rates for existing customers.
Residents had expressed concern that their $34 monthly sewer bills would increase because of the project.
But after discovering they could not place a stipulation on the resolution, council members held a special meeting a few days later and rescinded their motion – but still refused to sign the resolution.
On Monday night, council reversed itself yet again.
“If it isn’t too late, I’d like to make a motion to accept (the resolution),” Councilwoman Mary Ellen Tibbott said.
Council President Eva Wargo agreed, saying that council agreed to support the project for study purposes.
“This is only for a study to try to get some quotes on prices and what it would cost to do the project,” Wargo said.
Bill Sauserman, project engineer at Stiffler McGraw & Associates of Hollidaysburg, said the four municipalities in the authority were asked to adopt the plan in an effort to speed DEP approval and USDA funding.
The borough, Barr and West Carroll townships have approved the plan; Susquehanna Township has not.
Sam Taranto, running unopposed for a council seat in the November election, criticized council members for approving the plan.
“DEP isn’t mandating anything right now; it’s the West Branch Sewer Authority mandating this,” Taranto said.
“I don’t think (the borough) is being represented by the authority the right way.
“Council never discusses anything; you just vote on stuff,” he added.
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