Caldwell Council Ponders Changes To Water, Sewer Bills: Report

CALDWELL, NJ — Caldwell residents could end up paying less for their sewer bills – but more for their water – if a pair of proposed ordinances pass.

During their Tuesday meeting, the Caldwell Borough Council introduced two separate ordinances, The Progress reported. (Read the full article)

Acting Borough Administrator Thomas Banker said the water ordinance is needed because of the town’s current contract with Essex Fells, which permits an annual 4 percent increase. A rate increase would also allow the town to pay for additional water main improvements. The average homeowner would pay $657 for water per year under the new rate, an increase of $113, The Progress reported.

The second proposed ordinance would create a separate sewer bill for property owners, as opposed to having the town bill users via property taxes. According to municipal officials, the annual cost for the average homeowner would be $383 – roughly $112 less than the current cost – and the move would also save Caldwell about $1.2 million on its municipal budget.

>> Read more about the proposed ordinances.

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