Johnstown City Council on Wednesday gave preliminary approval for a controversial sewage-rate increase.
The rate hike, which still must go through another vote before formal adoption, would give the city hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional yearly revenue to help pay for a massive, state-mandated sewer-repair job.
And the vote came as City Manager Curt Davis announced that state environmental regulators have summoned him to a meeting where he must explain what Johnstown is doing to fix its sewage system.
“I expect them to take a serious look at our corrective-action plan and how we expect to fund it,” Davis said.
All municipalities in the Johnstown Regional Sewage system must address illegal overflows of untreated waste caused by surface water infiltrating sewage lines.
But the city faces a big job – with a price tag that likely will top $10 million – and apparently has fallen behind schedule.
Months ago, Davis had requested a sewage-rate increase from an average of $5.90 per month to $10 monthly. Advocates said that was a necessary move, given the size of the job Johnstown must undertake.
They also argued that the city’s rates are among the lowest in the local system.
But council repeatedly had delayed that vote and, earlier this month, rejected the measure on a 5-3 vote. Some believed residents should not have to pay more, while others were concerned that City Hall administrators may not allocate the extra revenue appropriately.
That has happened regularly in the past, with sewage-rate collections spent on other budgetary items.
In an effort to address that concern, Davis amended the rate-hike ordinance. It now creates a separate “restricted” account for sewage repairs.
“No monies from this account may be used for any other city appropriations, including loans, temporary borrowing or transfers,” the ordinance reads.
Council approved the statute unanimously. A final vote will occur next month.
It is unclear what action, if any, the state Department of Environmental Protection may take after meeting with Davis in Pittsburgh on May 7. The agency has the power to impose a consent order and fines if officials feel the city is not adequately addressing the sewage problem.
Along with Davis, the city’s public works director, solicitor and engineer will attend the meeting.
City officials also have applied for a nearly $6.7 million state grant for the sewage-repair project. Davis on Wednesday said he has heard no new information regarding that request.
Local News
Johnstown City Council moves toward sewer rate hike
Increase would fund state-ordered fix
- Local News
-
-
Two Cambria district judge offices to be cut
Two of Cambria County’s 10 magisterial districts could be eliminated as President Judge Timothy Creany looks at realigning boundaries to cut costs while taking into consideration caseloads of the district judges and population changes.
-
Westmont couple inseparable, even in death
People who knew James and Marjorie Landis of Westmont said the two were nearly always together.
-
Company buys valuables from people ready to unload
Jan Hagerich’s buffalo nickel was “healthy” – which was unhealthy for her finances.
-
Blogging with heart
I was feeling overwhelmed yesterday, so today, I’m organizing my work. I have talked to probably a couple dozen people for Heart Month stories and I have pages and pages of notes.
-
Special Olympics return to region
More than 300 athletes eager to show off their skills, along with 135 coaches, will be coming to the region to take part in the 2012 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Winter Games.
-
Special Olympics Schedule
Here is a list of events related to the Pennsylvania Special Olympics Winter Games through Tuesday at venues across the region:
Saturday
• Laurel Highlands Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics; Quemahoning Reservoir near Boswell; registration at 9:30 a.m.; plunge at 1 p.m. -
Water rates going up to pay for line project
An estimated $9 million Windber Area Authority transmission line project will likely head toward construction late this summer.
-
Citizens eye cost-cutting measures
A total of 16 members of a concerned citizens group volunteered to serve on a committee to develop cost-saving ideas that will be presented to the Westmont Hilltop school board.
-
Critz co-sponsoring bills that support emergency responders
U.S. Rep. Mark Critz, D-Johnstown, said he is co-sponsoring several bills that support emergency responders.
-
IN BRIEF | Police investigating shooting of city man
State police in Indiana County are investigating the shooting of a Johnstown man late Tuesday or early Wednesday, authorities said.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Two Cambria district judge offices to be cut
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
