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Harmar: Sewer rate hike appears likely

Harmar: Sewer rate hike appears likely

Harmar supervisors have already raised taxes this year, and are expected to vote next week to raise sewer rates to meet increased expenses and repairs.

Supervisors approved a 1-mill property tax increase last month, raising the levy to 3.26 mills this year. The vote was 4-1, with James DiPalma dissenting.

Board Chairman Don Muse said the tax increase will generate about $100,000 in additional revenue. He said the increase is necessary because two major businesses successfully appealed their assessments and won big tax reductions, and the township owes $146,000 on 2005 invoices to the company hired to perform building inspections.

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The township also must prepare to meet debt obligations, Mr. Muse added.

"The township has a $350,000 loan. One balloon payment plus the interest will be due in 2007, and previous [budgets] made no provision for that," he said.

Mr. Muse said the loan paid for paving Wise Hill Road, an access road to a new hilltop development.

A rate of 3.26 mills means the owner of a home assessed at $80,000 can expect to pay $261 in township property taxes.

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Property owners can expect to pay increased sewage fees as well. Supervisor Michael Liberati said the rate should be at least $1.85 per 1,000 gallons in order to meet costs.

Currently, Harmar residents pay $1.50 per 1,000 gallons. Mr. Liberati, who also serves as secretary/treasurer, said fees from the Allegheny Valley Sewer Authority have increased, and money is needed for repair and installation projects.

The board expects to vote on a sewage rate hike at its meeting Tuesday. The new rate will be reflected on bills mailed at the end of the first quarter.

First Published: March 2, 2006, 5:00 a.m.

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