Politics & Government

Higher Cost Hydrants: N.J. Utility Announces 15-22 Percent Rate Hike

Fanwood Council votes to draft letter opposing the rate increase.

The Fanwood Borough Council will send a letter to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), protesting a proposed 15-22 percent rate hike for water usage at fire hydrants. The BPU oversees the New Jersey American Water Company, which maintains and supplies the water to the hydrants.

"We already pay thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars, whether we use [the water] or not," Councilwoman Katherine Mitchell said at the council's regular monthly meeting Tuesday night.

Mayor Colleen Mahr said the council will send the letter to "push back" against the rate increases. "What was so offensive was that we now are expected to live in the world of the 2 percent tax cap," she said. "Anything from 15-22 percent is absolutely unacceptable." Under the tax cap, New Jersey municipalities may not raise property taxes higher than 2 percent each year.

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The BPU did not return calls for comment. Stay tuned to Patch for details on this developing story.


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