Upper Pottsgrove to Reassess Tapping and Connection Fees

Upper Pottsgrove Township’s Board of Commissioners discussed the possibility of reassessing and adjusting tap-in and sewage connection fees during their meeting on Monday night.

According to the board, tapping fees have remained low in comparison to surrounding townships, but after observing increased costs it would be in their best interest to recalculate fees for future developers.

Tapping fees are a flat rate agreed upon by the board, and issued to reimburse the township for the cost of physically connecting to water and sewer mains. Connection fees vary, and are assessed if it is necessary for the township to extend mains up to the property line.

“The reason they have been so low is not because we haven’t been keeping an eye on them, but because we have done very well at keeping costs low over the years,” said President Elwood Taylor.

Commissioner Taylor explained that these fees are similar to “putting a down payment on a home, they provide money for municipal charges up front.”

By the recommendation of the board, LTL Consultants will follow Act 537, The Pennsylvania Facilities Act, to put together an official report that would clearly document and itemize fees for which future developers -- both private and commercial -- are responsible.

There has been no decision as to whether these fees will definitely be adjusted, only that LTL will proceed with reassessing the fees and the board will evaluate findings at a later date.