Questions presented to the Borough of Conshohocken Authority for the implementation of Stormwater Management

Q: Is the fee already approved or will it be considered after the two public meetings?

A: It is anticipated that the fee structure will be considered at the Authority’s December public meeting, for implementation January 1, 2024.

Q: Why is the authority moving forward with the stormwater fee, while the PA Supreme Court is actively considering whether it is a tax or not?

A: The case currently pending with the PA Supreme Court will not affect the Authority’s ability to implement the fee. The question before the Court is whether the stormwater fee implemented by West Chester Borough is a fee or a tax, as applied to state owned properties within the Borough.  As state-owned properties are exempt from local taxes, a holding that the fee was a tax would mean that such properties were exempt from payment.  The Court will not be deciding whether a municipal entity can charge the fee, but only whether certain state owned properties are responsible for paying fees that are implemented. 

 Q: I always thought the borough was responsible for managing and maintaining the stormwater sewers. Was there an ordinance or another type of law passed that moved this responsibility to the authority?

A: The Borough currently owns and maintains the stormwater management system. The proposal would involve the transfer of the system to the Authority, who would then have ultimate responsibility for maintenance of the system.  It is the intent of the Borough and the Authority to enter into an agreement whereby the Borough will serve as a contractor for the Authority that will perform the required maintenance functions. 

Borough of Conshohocken Authority Receives Grant Money

On December 19, 2023, PA State Representative Greg Scott informed the Authority that we were approved to receive $1,454,471.00 in grant money from the H2O PA Program. The grant money will be used to upgrade our plant’s electrical sub-station that is over 30 years old. Our sub-station receives electricity from two separate grids. In case one grid goes down, the sub-station switches over to the other grid and the plant stays energized without disruption to our treatment process. A modernized replacement will increase efficiency and safety.

December Public Meeting

Borough of Conshohocken Authority
December Public Meeting Notice

The Borough of Conshohocken Authority will hold its December Board Meeting on Monday, December 15, at 6:00 PM. The meeting will be held in the Public Meeting Room on the 2nd floor of Conshohocken Borough Hall, located at 400 Fayette Street, Conshohocken, PA 19428. Please enter through the main entrance at 4th Avenue and Fayette Street.

In addition to regular Authority business, the Board will consider approval of the following items:

• Borough of Conshohocken Authority Stormwater Rates
• 2026 Wastewater Operating Budget
• 2026 Stormwater Operating Budget

This meeting is open to the public and may also be attended virtually using the information below:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/6014002024?pwd=QWFGcDBLVHhiajlpTHRuQklMeGo2Zz09&omn=97828989233

Meeting ID: 601 400 2024
Passcode: 601400

One-Tap Mobile:
+13092053325,,6014002024#,,601400#

A recording of the meeting will be posted on the Authority’s website at www.conshohockensa.com.

For questions, please contact Edward Mongan, BCA Operations Manager, at emongan@conshohockensa.com