Oct 4, 2005 By Amanda Clegg 2 min read

LUZERNE TOWNSHIP – Board members asked for patience when a resident voiced his concern about the possible rise in cost for sewerage projects in the area at the Luzerne Township Sewage Authority’s regular meeting Monday. “We as a board are trying to keep it at $38,” said President Bob Peton of the cost to residents. “I’m going to do everything in my power to bring this in at $38.”

Peton said that the board is in the process of securing more grant money for the projects.

“We realize we’re coming in way over projection,” board member Bob Miller said. “We’re trying as a board to hold those costs down as much as possible.”

The resident said he was speaking on behalf of those with fixed incomes in the area.

“You have a responsibility to us. I’m going to be here speaking for them,” he told the board. “I just want it on the record.”

Engineer Don Reho delivered a report at last month’s meeting estimating that an additional $2.4 million is needed to fund the entire sewer project.

Miller said he appreciated the resident’s input and encouraged more residents to attend meetings.

In a related matter, Reho said he turned over requested documents to secure more funding to Rural Utility Service (RUS), and for the authority to expect a response by the end of the month.

The authority also conducted the following business:

– Accepted the auditor’s report, which is available for public viewing.

– Voted to pay a maximum of $700 to fix a canopy over a dumpster at the sewer plant.

– Agreed to look into buying a new 40-horsepower sledge pump instead of rebuilding the old pump for an estimated $10,000.