UPDATE: Stafford Council In Hot Water Over Rate Increases

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP --- The Township Council, facing rising costs and looming bond payments, raised water and sewer rates for 2012 back in January.

However, because of state-mandated budget filing dates that were in conflict with the dates of the increases, they were not able to enact increases until June.

As a result, recent water and sewer bills saw three quarters of the increase wrapped into one bill, said township officials at Tuesday’s meeting.

Township Administrator James Moran told a capacity audience at Tuesday’s council meeting that the larger increase was a one-time event.

The quarterly increase needed to be brought up-to-date with this third quarter billing to meet outstanding obligations for previous bond measures issued by the township’s water and sewer authority.

A letter explaining the increase has recently been mailed to township residents, said Moran.

At the meeting Moran also explained that the sewer increase is $20 per quarter and the water rate went up $25 per quarter. However, the first 14,000 gallons of water used per quarter is now no longer charged for, he said. Before the cost of that water was $18.20, so the water rate actually only went up $6.80, he added.

Again due to the timing, residents were charged for the water during the first two quarters.

“We had a $2.8M shortfall in the water and sewer department and had to raise rates to balance that budget,” he said. The rates had not seen an increase since 2005, but there had been a surcharge from 2009-2011.

“We tried to spread the cost out equally among all users no matter how much they use, as the delivery system is the same for everyone,” said Moran.

During the public comment one Beach Haven West resident felt it wasn’t fair for her as her quarterly usage is less than 14,000 gallons.

And some seniors on fixed incomes wanted to know how they would be affected. Mayor Spodofora and Moran explained that the water and sewer department was able to set up payment plans. Also, seniors meeting certain income criteria could apply for assistance in paying their bills by contacting the department or the administrator for more information.

In addition to making bond payments and the day to day operation of the department, the additional funds will go to continued upgrades of the system and to handle maintenance and emergencies.

“Recently when the water main blew out on Jennie Drive, we had the water back in less than 6 hours,” said Moran. The recent accident where Atlantic Electric drilled through water and sewer lines on Cedar Bonnet Island residents and businesses never lost service even through an approximate $200,000 repair took nearly three weeks to complete, he added.  

Upcoming projects this year include the implementing of the final phase of new pipes and lines in Beach Haven West and the painting of its water tower, which will cost about of a half million dollars.

“It’s not just painting the outside to make it look nice, it requires going inside and stripping and resealing it to ensure the safety of the drinking water,” said Moran.