Richland Borough votes to allow possible water rate hike for $6M tank project

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Richland Borough Council met in a special session Jan. 13 to discuss an increase in water rates.

A motion was made to approve Resolution 2026-13, which indicates the intent to increase water rates if necessary to cover the payment associated with the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) funding of improvements to the borough’s water collection, storage, and transportation system.

One citizen attended the meeting and expressed concern about rates increasing.

“At this point this resolution is not increasing water rates,” council president Kelly Bricker said. She explained it is insurance that only if needed, rates could be raised in the future to cover the payment for the elevated water storage tank project.

The approximately $6.1 million project is being funded in part by a $1 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, along with $4.1 million in low-interest financing by PENNVEST.

The project, originally anticipated to begin last April and conclude in August 2026, was given clearance to proceed this month and is now expected to be complete October 2027.

Richland Borough Council meets again on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. in the conference room at the borough building at 5 Pine St., Richland.