Nov 17, 2018 1 min read

Canonsburg-Houston Joint Sewer Authority voted unanimously Thursday to rescind a rate increase that would have more than doubled sewerage rates for 16,000 customers.

Earlier in the day, attorneys for CHJA indicated during a court hearing before Washington County Judge Michael Lucas that the board of directors planned to rescind the rate increase.

Three townships that utilize CHJA, Cecil, Chartiers and North Strabane, challenged the rate increase after it was approved by the joint authority in April.

CHJA wanted to raise its base charge of $5.38 per 1,000 gallons to $11.57 in 2018 and continue increasing the rate through 2021 to $12.78.

Also Thursday, the joint authority voted to consider approving a resolution for a different rate increase at its January meeting.

CHJA maintains the rate increase is necessary to pay for expansion and upgrades to its sewage treatment plant, which is more than 50 years old.