Aqua New Jersey has proposed a rate hike which would cost residents an extra $116.60 per year on average. Both Mayor David Fried of Robbinsville and Mayor John Bencivengo of Hamilton have publicly opposed the 28% hike saying it places an unfair burden on about 45,000 residents. Mayor Fried said water rates lead to tax increases because municipalities and taxpayer-funded fire departments must also pay to use the water. Both mayors said they have contacted an administrative law judge who is reviewing the rate case before the Board of Public Utilities makes a final determination.

Aqua New Jersey, which filed the $7 million rate increase request with the Board of Public Utilities in December, does not serve any other municipalities in Mercer County. Aqua claims that it needs the extra revenue in order to keep up the costs of improving aging infrastructure and treating drinking water to comply with tighter federal health regulations.

See related articles in the Times and the Trentonian.

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Tags: Aqua NJ, Hamilton