DPW deal delayed but not dead

Sussex Borough — Borough officials are still looking for ways to reduce costs to borough taxpayers. The most recent effort, aimed at saving nearly $80,000 annually, includes outsourcing Department of Public Works services to Hardyston Township. The proposed DPW agreement was ready for a vote at the April 6 borough meeting but the mayor and several council members raised concerns over “a lack of detail.” After further discussion and a page by page review of the agreement, officials instructed the borough attorney, John E. Ursin, to consult with Hardyston officials on modifications. The questions covered a range of issues including health insurance costs, indemnification for use of borough DPW vehicles and equipment, ticketing of vehicles during street cleaning, routine maintenance schedules, operational costs and the agreement renewal date. The borough still intends to sign an agreement by May 1. Water treatment facility In another cost-cutting move the borough initiated discussions with a regional water company to explore the feasibility of selling its water treatment facility. A preliminary discussion was held with officials from United Water last month. “We expected a lukewarm reception, but we got a good reception,” said Mayor Chris Parrott. According to the mayor, United Water officials had “done their homework” by estimating the potential costs to buy the borough water treatment facility. “We want to pay off our debt and reduce costs to residents,” Parrott said. In the meantime heavy rain water runoff in March sent 22 million gallons of water to the water treatment facility. “The (water) bill in March is going to rock us; right now we are at the mercy of Mother Nature,” said Parrott. The borough plans to contact representatives from the water company in the coming weeks. Animal control Animal control services are being provided by Vernon Township now through an interlocal agreement. Borough officials say they are pleased with the presence of animal control officers patrolling approximately three times per week. After-hours requests are capped at 10 under the agreement. Animal control officers were sworn in by the borough clerk last month. Officers patrol the borough in Vernon Township vehicles lettered with “Serving Sussex Borough.” A dog census is being developed and will be sent to residents soon. The borough encourages dog owners to register their pets by Feb. 1 each year or face fines.