When: Denver Borough Council meeting, Nov. 11.
What happened: Council discussed a projected sewer rate increase in 2025, not included in the borough’s previous draft budget.
New sewer rate: The newly proposed sewer rate will be $12.50 per 1,000 gallons, as opposed to the previous $11.75. This includes a new minimum quarterly rate of $37.50, previously $35.25.
Details: Ephrata Borough treats wastewater from Denver Borough and East Cocalico and Ephrata townships. In 2025, the treatment costs are projected to increase by about $97,000 for the borough.
More: The draft budget features a $4.85 million spending plan, including a 5.1% real estate tax increase from 3.70 to 3.89 mills and a water rate increase from $8 per 1,000 gallons to $8.25.
Impact on residents: With the projected rate increases for 2025, including property tax, water and sewer, the annual increase for the average resident will be about $67, with a daily increase of $0.18.
Quotable: “It is an increase, but it’s something that we try to make sure we manage as best we can to offset our costs. We’re not growing; we’re not bringing new homes in, so our current ones are paying for what we have here,” said Michael Hession, borough manager, regarding the impact on the average resident regarding tax rate increases in 2025.
What’s next: Council will approve the preliminary draft budget at its Nov. 25 meeting.
Junior council members: Council appointed five new students from Cocalico High School to its Junior Councilperson program, as Mayor Rodney Redcay administered the pledge to the students.
Background: The program is meant to encourage high school juniors or seniors living in Denver Borough and East Cocalico and West Cocalico townships to participate in local government and engage in conversations about the community. This year’s junior council members include: Joshua Byrom, Maxwell Blickle, Abagail Cooney, Annalyse Marie Marucci and Ashton Rathman.
Drought watch: Council discussed the drought watch for Lancaster County, encouraging borough residents to voluntarily conserve water use by 5% by running their dishwashers less, watering their lawns less and more.
More: Earlier this month, Gov. Josh Shapiro issued a drought watch for several counties in the state due to persistently dry conditions.
Snow removal: Council approved contracting with Reamstown Excavating for the winter season to provide snow removal services. The company will provide an operator and a truck with a snowplow and salt spreader for $95 per hour during standard hours and $107 per hour during non-standard hours.
What’s next: Council will meet again at 7 p.m. Nov. 25.
