Fanwood residents just received their first Sewer Utility Bill. Why?
Fanwood Town Council established a Sewer Utility on April 2018 to begin the critical planning process to address required ongoing and long-term maintenance of the Borough’s infrastructure system, as well as plan upgrades to the Borough’s aging sewer infrastructure system.
Two immediate tasks of the Sewer Utility are developing a plan for sewer system upgrades and coordinating that work and paving local streets with utility companies. The last is important to avoid utility companies doing road work on newly paved streets.
The creation of the FSU did not require hiring any new employees.
What is the Sewer User Fee?
This decision to create a Sewer Utility requires a separate sewer bill for residential properties, including those that are tax exempt. Commercial properties have already been paying a Sewer User Fee. Prior to the creation of the FSU, expenses for the operation of the system were included in the property tax bill.
The sewer utility bill is essentially the same as a utility bill for electric and gas usage except this is paid directly to the Borough.
The sewer fee revenues will be reinvested back into municipal infrastructure maintenance and improvements and not allocated to cover other municipal expenses.
How will the Fee be calculated?
The residential sewer bill in 2018 will be based on the property tax assessment. The Borough is already evaluating other formulas and options for calculating the fee, which most likely be based on water usage in 2019.
How much will homeowners pay?
The average fee this year (2018), based on property assessment, will be approximately $85.
How often will I be billed?
In 2018, you will receive one sewer fee bill which is due December 1, 2018. The Borough is looking at how other municipalities handle the billing and going forward, will likely consider other billing options.
Do other towns impose a Sewer Use Fee?
Yes. Since 2006, numerous Union County towns have billed sewer fees to cover the many costs associated with providing water service to homes and businesses. These include Clark, Cranford, Rahway, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit and Westfield.
Why doesn’t the Town Council just cut other expenses and use those funds for infrastructure costs?
The costs associated with the very important responsibility of maintaining and improving the roads and infrastructure that isn’t visible are enormous. The Mayor and Town Council did not come to this decision lightly but agreed that preserving Fanwood’s appeal to residents and businesses relies on reinvesting in our community.
Fanwood continues to work at being more efficient and provide quality municipal services to keep our community safe, clean and economically sound with minimal staff. For example, Fanwood has shared services agreements for public works with Garwood and Scotch Plains, health services with Westfield and 911 with Union County. Fanwood residents expect and deserve services so eliminating employees who do that essential work doesn’t really save and isn’t beneficial.
Will the new developments impact me?
Any new projects will be charged a Sewer User Fee based on the same calculation as other property owners. It is important to point out that any of these projects will invest significant funds to upgrade the sewer and road infrastructure. Adjacent and nearby properties derive a benefit from these improvements, as well.
Will the Sewer Utility Budget and Plans be available to the public?
Yes. The Mayor and Council are committed to residents and business owners being informed about how funds are being used for improvements to our roads and sewer infrastructure. Information will be posted on the Borough’s website, www.fanwoodnj.org.
