Franklin Township officials disagree with several claims made by a resident whose family is set to have their water service shut off due to an outstanding balance of over $12,000.

Sherry Vargson, who resides on Held Street, said recently that several years ago when the township installed municipal sewer, her family didn’t have the $2,500 tap-in fee to pay in one lump sum.

Vargson said, “Though I’ve made thousands of dollars in payments on this sewer account over the years, we’ve never been allowed to hook to the sewer or used their sewer service in any way.”

She added that they receive their water from Lehighton Borough, where their water bill is paid.

However, the township disputes Vargson’s claims that she’s made thousands of dollars in payments.

“She has never paid thousands of dollars to the township for her services,” the township stated in a follow-up email after Vargson’s story ran April 30.

The township states the information it shared in the email “are the facts given by the consensus of the board of supervisors.”

As for Vargson stating she’s never been allowed to hook up or use the service, the township noted the sewer hookup was mandated by the Department of Environmental Protection, and it was her responsibility to hook up in 2003 and pay the tap-in fee and monthly user fee.

“If none of the residents paid to hook up, no one would be connected,” the township said. “Everyone is required to pay the fee.”

Vargson said she’s pointed out the new regulations put into effect when the COVID Utility Shutoff Moratorium ended and tried to make a payment arrangement with them according to these regulations.

“They refused my offer, and instead said they would accept no less than $4,000 to stop the shut-off,” she said. “At least one of my doctors either submitted a medical certificate, or will (immediately), but I’m concerned they will decide to not honor that regulation either.”

Not so, according to the township, which said that Vargson was offered many payment agreements in the past and defaulted on each and every agreement. The township also said it has not received a medical certificate from Vargson.

“In the past, we had not asked for such a large deposit, yet she still didn’t follow the payment agreements offered,” the township stated. “She does not hold up her end of the bargain. We have tried on multiple occasions to work with her to no avail.”

Further, the township contends that in the past five years, from 2016-2021, Vargson’s sewer payments to the township have totaled $420.

As for Vargson’s garbage bills, the township said her total is over $11,000.

“She said she is in good standing with services that are provided to her,” the township stated. “She has only paid $50 on her garbage bill, and that was in 2006.”

Additionally, Franklin said the township has nothing to do with Vargson’s house being up for Sheriff Sale, as that is a separate issue in regards to foreclosure on her house.