DUBOIS – A proposed water rate increase will be voted on during a special meeting of the Sandy Township Supervisors.
The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 27. If approved, the increase would be $3.67 per 1,000 gallons for most customers.
According to Township Manager Dave Monella, the increase would set everyone at the same tier of $16 per 1,000 gallons.
“It’s not something we look forward to doing. It’s something we have to do because of the demand on us,” said Supervisor Dave Sylvis.
Township officials said the water rate increase was the direct result of losing an appeal to the Pennsylvania Utility Commission.
The appeal was in regards to an increase in costs from DuBois City and the need for additional funds to pay off debt.
“Our hands are tied. We don’t have much choice on that,” said Supervisor Jim Jeffers.
The proposed 2018 budget will also be voted on during the special meeting.
In other business, the supervisors voted to move forward with a draft ordinance for Elder Cottages in the township.
Elder Cottages are tiny homes for seniors. The homes are placed on the property of a family member.
Elder Cottages allow seniors to have privacy and independence while also having the assistance of family nearby.
The supervisors previously had concerns with the ordinance, especially if it was written too broadly.
Solicitor Greg Kruk explained some of the limitations in the draft, which addressed the supervisors’ concerns. These were:
- Limiting the cottages to R-A zoned properties;
- requiring conditional use approval;
- Limiting to residents who are 62 years and older;
- Requiring the resident to prove the need of assistance from a state-licensed physician; and
- Requiring renewal of the cottage permit after two years.
The board of supervisors thanked Supervisor Darell Duttry for his six years of service. He was presented with a plaque at the end of the meeting. Duttry’s last official meeting will be Dec. 27.
Additionally, the supervisors thanked their employees for all their hard work over the past year.