More Mysteries in Newtown Township

At the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors meeting, Township Manager Mike Trio recounted that there had been a problem with the sewer bills that were sent to township residents. Apparently, having now ensured that the sewer rates were properly established, the township once again sent out bills that were in error.

And how did the township discover this error? It took a township resident calling the township to report the problem with the sewer bill amount that alerted the manager. The manager then discovered that there were many bills in error. This particular error charged $110 for each of those residences that previously paid a flat rate for sewer rent rather than the new rate determined per thousand gallons of water use.  

If this was the first time that there was a problem with the sewer bills, it may not be cause for concern. But, just last year, the township sent out multiple incorrect versions of sewer bills. You would think that the township would have checked, at least randomly, the bills this year. Apparently not in Newtown. 

In my view, it seems in Newtown that there is always time to do it over at taxpayers' expense, but never time to do it right the first time. Now, supplementary bills will have to be issued and likely many more questions will arise. Check your bills! The correct calculation of your rate as set at the February 13, 2012, Newtown Board of Supervisors’ meeting follows:

Resolutions to Authorize Sanitary Sewer Rates for 2012:

The manager read Resolution 2012-04 which sets the rates in the SR-2 Sewer District, as follows: $4.35 per 1,000 gallons of water usage (increased by 10 cents); $243 for the well rate; and $25 for a sewer certification. Supervisors Vice Chairman Dr. Ross Lambert made a motion to approve the resolution, as read. Supervisor John Nawn seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. The motion carried.

The manager read Resolution 2012-05 which sets the rates in the SR-3 Sewer District, as follows: $5.50 per 1,000 gallons of water usage; $273 for the well rate; and $25 for a sewer certification. The $599 flat rate would be eliminated. Supervisor Ed Partridge made a motion to approve the resolution, as read, and Dr. Lambert seconded the motion.

Mr. Matern asked for clarification on the billing process and the Manager explained the process that sewer billing is based on the prior year’s water usage. Supervisors Chairman Joseph Catania called for the vote and the vote was unanimous. The motion carried.

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In other mysteries, why were township residents not told at Monday’s meeting that the ?

Clearly, that information was available prior to the meeting. And why has the township still not specified how the school will be sold? It is a mystery.  You would think that township officials would want the most information possible about this sale to be made available. You would think that the township supervisors’ decision to sell this unique, valuable and irreplaceable township asset would be a last resort for revenue.  

If the township is so desperate for one time revenue why wouldn’t they try to sell this asset for the highest price possible?  he Wyola School house costs the township nothing to keep and generates annual revenue. Here, in Newtown, they have not provided information with times and dates for prospective buyers to inspect the property. They have not publicly made the decision as to how the sale will occur. What is going on?

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And for one final mystery, what has happened to Newtown Police Chief Dennis Anderson?  There are rumors aplenty that he has been suspended.  He has not attended the last two Board of Supervisors’ meetings.  What is going on? Wouldn’t it be great if instead of saying they were discussing a personnel issue, the Supervisors would provide clear information about their executive sessions.  And, honestly, if they have suspended the police chief, you would think they would want the public to know the reason.  Why are residents not informed on this matter?