Some good news came out of the Bradford Sanitary Authority meeting Tuesday — there will be no rate increase for 2025 for stormwater or sanitary sewer services.
Executive director Steve Disney explained a balanced budget was presented with no rate increase.
“Inflation has settled in 2024; however, the cost of living continues to remain at all-time highs,” Disney explained. “Since January 2021, energy costs alone are 29.35% higher. Fuel and chemical costs still remain near record highs.
“The proposed 2025 budget includes revenue projections of $4,663,026, and expenses of $4,662,635,” he said.
For 2025, capital outlay is budgeted at $129,600, and debt service and loan payments are at $1,325,855.
Wages include Disney, as executive director, at $96,997.81; Donnie Hayden, operations manager, at $103,771.53; Karla Leone, office manager, at $90,298.67; Daniel Yeager, business manager/controller, at $92,592.08 and hourly wage classifications ranging from $31.54/hour to $36.90/hour. Capital projects for 2025 include installing cured-in-place pipelining on sanitary mains along Jefferson and Bedford streets, vehicle diagnostic equipment, a shop welder, and noise protective headsets.
The authority appointed board members Norm Strotman and Bucky Clark as the nominating committee for 2025 board positions.
In the month’s report, Disney said employee John Eakin continues training for his CDL exam.
He offered an update on delinquencies, saying sewer and stormwater delinquency rates increased slightly in November.
The Yohe property at 83 Jerome Ave. Ext. is proceeding to sheriff sale, and the Johnston property at 21 Bagley Ave. will be sent as well. Regarding the Smith property at 44 E. Corydon St., the owner is working with a bank to get a loan to pay off the property and have the lien removed.
Regarding field operations, Disney said all assessments are weather dependent at this point. The cleaning and vacuum trucks cannot operate with temperatures at or below 32 degrees.
The authority’s field crew is working on root cutting and treatment activities inside sanitary mains over the next few weeks in portions of Orchard Place, Jackson Avenue, Clarence Street, Abbot Street, Callahan Park, Barbour Street, Bennett Street Extension, Charlotte Avenue, Walker Avenue, South Avenue, High Street, Lawrence Court, Seaward Avenue and Bedford Street.
