$9,000 sewer bill raises concerns in Sussex

Joseph Ballo's average quarterly sewer bill had been about $350, so the Sussex Borough resident was shocked when he suddenly was charged $9,000 for using 352,000 gallons of water and sewer last quarter.

[Richard]

The guy should drill a well. Something is really wrong with that towns water system.

[Alan]

I have had the same issue with Sussex. My transponder is broken and the town is in litigation with the manufacturer. They leave me a yellow tag on teh door. If they do not get it back quick enough they "make up" a number (i.e. 100000 gallons) which created 2k water bill. They told me the mayor told them to make up a number (At the time it was Littel, not Parret) so I voted against her that year.

Overall the minumum bill is up to 300/qtr because of leaks in the pipes going to the treatment facility. The town gets fined for overusage as the leaks create MORE flow to the facility. The town is nice enough to pass on the fine to us.

I hate Sussex, but cannot move at this time. I would tell this town where to go, but they are not only there already, they ARE it.

[Sue]

I own a duplex in Sussex and have been hit sooo bad with water and sewer bills i had to start charging the tenants. A $1400 quaterly water bill is just obnoxious

[Tony]

Sussex Boro charges crazy fees for water and sewer.$26.50 for every 1,000 gallons is UNREAL! My quarterly bill is never less than $700. Yes, cheaper property taxes, but they are definitely making up for it with the water bill.

[Katherine]

We had a similar problem although the bill was not nearly as high. Our normal ~$60 water bill came in at over $300. I called to complain and they sent out a guy to check our reading. He said that our transponder was broken and they weren't able to get a reading so they "created" a number of gallons used. I wonder how many people don't pay attention to these bills and actually pay these made-up bills.

[maria]

Sue wrote:

I own a duplex in Sussex and have been hit sooo bad with water and sewer bills i had to start charging the tenants. A $1400 quaterly water bill is just obnoxious

I also own a 2 family home and can't getit rented because I have had to add in for water use and can not allow more than 3 people to live in it the apt.my water alone for my family is between 489. to 600.and then they want payment in 2 weeks time. most of us who live in sussex are struggling as it is?

[maria]

Tony wrote:

Sussex Boro charges crazy fees for water and sewer.$26.50 for every 1,000 gallons is UNREAL! My quarterly bill is never less than $700. Yes, cheaper property taxes, but they are definitely making up for it with the water bill.

I think people should stop paying this water bills then what are they going to do shut everyone off my bill is between 489. and 600. and I have told them I will read the meter because they did an estimation and my bill was so high. My family is very careful about how much water we use why should we be punished because they hired people who did a faulty job on the pipes!!and now they have to repair them again....

[maria]

I like to know where are they going to get over 700 new customers to help foot this water problem most people are not going to want to be on this system if they know of all the problems.I was told by water & sewer they are working on it but then they tell me the water price has gone up now 0 to 10000 is 300. dollars. my mother says thats about how much she pays for a year of water.the people of sussex need to come together to fight this!!!!!!