Lower Saucon Authority Releases Final Budget Numbers To Public

The has released finalized numbers for its 2011 budget that are now available to the public at the Authority Building on Old Philadelphia Pike.

Last month the authority unveiled a preliminary budget incorporating $1,170,000 in water expenses and $661,800 in sewer expenses. The final budget includes $1,087,750 in projected water revenues and $695,100 in sewage revenues collected mostly through usages fees.

During the authority's monthly board meeting Jan. 18, Administrator Gar Davidson highlighted two major purchases that are budgeted for in 2011. The first of those is a new John Deere backhoe needed for various water and sewer maintenance projects. A total of $112,000 from both the water and sewer budgets has been allotted for that purchase.

Davidson said the authority has not found a buyer for its old backhoe and suggested keeping it parked until the market for such equipment improves.

The second item to be purchased is a state-of-the-art sewer inspection camera that is capable of examining residential lines and laterals for breaks and cracks. The sewer budget includes $60,000 allotted for the item, but Davidson said he believes its final price will be closer to $55,000.

Using an articulated lens on a motorized frame, the camera can travel approximately 500 feet through lines and displays its findings on a monitor.

The camera is particularly useful for preventing or finding areas of surface water inflow and infiltration of sewer lines. This type of problem is more common during rainy seasons, it was explained, and residents whose sanitary sewer lines are infiltrated by ground water may be responsible for maintenance fees.

Neither purchase has been finalized, but the board hopes to have the camera by spring and the backhoe within the next two months.

In addition to the final budget, it was announced that on Jan. 1 water usage rates increased 3.5 percent to a total of $5.36 per thousand gallons. A letter was sent out last month to all residents explaining that the hike would only mean an increase of 18 cents per thousand gallons. Sewer and base meter charges remain unchanged.

The price hike is in response to increased water prices initiated last August by the City of Bethlehem. The first quarterly bills adjusted to the new rates will be sent to residents in early May.

“This is not a huge change, and we haven’t heard any complaints from citizens since the letter was released. Customer charges have been left alone,” Davidson said.

The Lower Saucon Authority’s next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 15 at the Authority Building.