Summit Hill residents might see a new fee added to their sewer bills in 2025.

The council is considering imposing a transmission fee that would create a fund to pay for sewerage system upgrades.

Councilman Joseph Weber said, “Nobody’s for this but I don’t think we have another option.”

Summit Hill borough is a member of the Coaldale-Lansford-Summit Hill Sewer Authority. The three boroughs presently have a moratorium imposed on them by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regarding new sewage connections because the treatment plant which serves them is deemed to be operating in excess of its capacity.

Council President David Wargo said in order for the moratorium to be lifted, all three boroughs must take action to fix their respective transmission systems.

Wargo said Summit Hill is looking into lining its pipes with a special coating, which would be less expensive than replacing the underground lines.

Even coating the pipes will cost several hundred thousand dollars, the council was told.

Upon discussion of a fee, council member Marlene Basiago suggested that it initially be $100 per year. Individuals who become 30 days delinquent on paying the fee will receive a 10-day notice after which the household water can be turned off.

Mayor Jeffrey Szczecina said the reconnect fee for water is $50.

Weber said coating a mile of pipe costs about $400,000.

“We would need more than that,” he said.

Although the council agreed to impose a transmission fee, no amount was determined.