Aug 13, 2008 By Joyce Koballa 2 min read

BULLSKIN TWP. – Customers of the Bullskin Township/Connellsville Township Joint Sewerage Authority will no longer have to remove their water meters if water service is terminated after officials took action this month to amend it in the rules and regulations effective immediately. John Cupp, authority solicitor, said the change was made to eliminate the need for people to pull their water meters since certain information regarding billing and collection was not clear.

The revision was made to the section on vacant properties where residents were previously required to remove their water meter if service was terminated while there will still be no abatement of charges for vacancy unless water service is terminated and proper evidence of such termination is provided to the authority.

Customers are still required to provide proper documentation to the water company establishing the termination of service.

Additionally, there will be a $250 sewage shut-off fee assessed when the water service is terminated while the property owner must also execute a notarized affidavit promising to notify the authority when and if water service is reinstated to the property.

If the property is not serviced by public water, the pump must be removed and certification of removal must be received from the plumber who removes it, in the form of a notarized affidavit.

The property owner is also required to submit a notarized affidavit stating they will notify the authority if and when water service is reinstated to the property.

In an unrelated issue, Cupp said Kisiel and Rudnik, P.C. of Connellsville, reported they should be done conducting an audit in the next several weeks into the alleged misappropriation of funds.

Cupp said the auditor is waiting to speak with the claims coordinator of the bonding company who is on vacation until Aug. 12 before issuing a final report to the authority.

Cupp added the authority would most likely present the audit findings at its September meeting.