Bethlehem is looking to increase its revenue by expanding its water service, which is only operating at 50% capacity. East Allen Township would like to get out of the utility business. And at a combined meeting of the Bethlehem City Council's Finance and Public Works Committee on March 14, the two municipalities inched closer to a deal that will give Bethlehem exclusive water service rights in East Allen Township. Speaking for the East Allen Township officials present, Engineer Jim Birdsall explained that a regional, as opposed to a local, system was in the best interest of East Allen residents, who would experience lower bills. In addition to paying for City water, East Allen has to add administrative costs, which are "much higher" than those charged by Bethlehem. "Basically, it's a long-term plan that the Township has to wean itself off of utilities altogether." He added that they would "focus on Township business rather than the utility business."
According to Bethlehem Water and Sewer Director David Brong, the City will take over four residential subdivisions being served by public wells. He noted that 55,752' of pipe is involved, along with 52 hydrants and pump stations, but stated that's only about 2% of Bethlehem's water infrastructure.
In addition to a Deed, Bethlehem will also get $250 thousand in debt owed by East Allen Township, but Brong explained this cost will be paid by East Allen water customers. He estimated that Bethlehem would earn $20,000 in the first year, with the potential to earn much more in the years to come, with a potential connection to the Route 512 system all the way to Bath. His goal is to extend water service to Bath over the next three years.
Chairing the meeting, J. William Reynolds was impressed by the "growth potential" of this project. "We need to expand our revenue in the water area." He added, "It certainly serves the public good."
Bethlehem won out over Northampton Borough Municipal, Bath Municipal and Lehigh County authorities. "Everybody loves our water," explained Reynolds.
City Council's Finance Committee, which consists of Reynolds, Eric Evans and Dave DiGiacinto, vtoed unanimously to recommend the project to City Council.
This has everything to do with $ and not quality of water.
ReplyDeleteEast Allen will pay Bethlehem rates and Bethlehem will incur the burden of maintaining the East Allent infrastructure and closure of the wells. Probably a strategic move to corner the market in that area. Hopefully rates will not change.
glad to see wee willy was actually paying attention instead of day dreaming about his hot girl friend. this guy is a joke and nothing but a callahan rubber stamp. he should not be reelected
ReplyDeleteSounds like someone wishes he had a hot girlfriend.
ReplyDelete"East Allen will pay Bethlehem rates and Bethlehem will incur the burden of maintaining the East Allent infrastructure and closure of the wells. Probably a strategic move to corner the market in that area. Hopefully rates will not change."
ReplyDeleteThis is basically accurate. Rates will go down in East Allen and Bethlehem will be unchanged. Bethlehem is looking to expand.
the boys on the second floor do nothing unless it benefits them. sooner or late east allen will take it in the shorts
ReplyDeleteDavid Jaindl just said thanks.
ReplyDeleteEast Allen will be the Lower Macungie Township of the next building boom. Water first. Sewer not far behind.
Hope you didn't like all that farmland.
Years from now, people will consider Callahan's administration as being the worst. Ever. He's now doing damage in neighboring municipalities, and that, my friends is talent. It must be recognized.