Verona To Renovate Water Meters, Wastewater Plant and Pool

The Verona Township Council introduced an ordinance concerning renovations for water, wastewater and pool utilities during its Monday night meeting.

All three are user paid utilities and “no tax dollars go to the operation of these entities,” said Township Engineer Jim Helb at a previous Council meeting.

Instead of property tax dollars, the projects will be paid by for user fees. This means that as a wastewater user, residents pay for water every time they flush the toilet or turn on a faucet. User fees also include memberships to the town pool.

The $50,000 water capital ordinance will replace some badly needed water meters, which were installed in the mid 1980's.

The wastewater, or sewer ordinance, will concentrate on the wastewater plant which received its last major upgrade about 20 years ago. Pumps and motors will be upgraded, equipment will be replaced and the plant will receive a non-chemical disinfection which will cost around $750,000.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation does not pay for underground utilities, said Helb. The sewer capital will cost the town $861,000, he said.

The pool capital includes an upgrade to the 15-year old basketball court and tennis courts as well as added shade trees around the area. The project will cost $78,000 and will be completed before the beginning of the next pool season, said Helb.