Robbinsville and Hamilton townships scored a victory against a proposed increase in water rates by Aqua New Jersey Friday when a settlement was reached that will allow the water company to only increase rates by 16.4% versus the original plan’s proposed 28%. Under the original rate increase proposal, the average consumer’s bill would have increased from a yearly $394 to $519, however under the new terms the exact rate was not established.

Robbinsville used a $7500 “contribution” from Matrix Development Corp to hire a lawyer to battle the water company. Matrix Development is the owner of several large warehouses in Robbinsville near the Turnpike, and has a large sprinkler system which would have been greatly impacted by any rate increases.

The settlement also eliminated a proposed distribution system improvement charge that would have permitted the water company to increase rates by up to 5% without having to first get state approval. The offical approval for the rate change was supposed to go before the NJ Board of Public Utilities yesterday.

Source: nj.com

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3. School District Proposes $32 Million Budget for 2008-2009
4. Township Seeks $17 Million 2008 Budget
5. Mayor’s State of the Township Presentation

Tags: Aqua NJ, Hamilton