Franklin Township has backed off on doing a feasibility study to determine where sewer expansion should be.

Supervisors announced last week that a public workshop meeting was held on Aug. 29 regarding the possibility of expansion of the central sewer line.

At that workshop meeting, a motion was tabled regarding a feasibility study. Instead, a motion was made to have Doug Kopp of Arro Consulting and Mike Takerer from Central Carbon Municipal Authority work together on a capital reserve report in place of a feasibility study.

The board discussed having a feasibility study completed so the township could see where it was at financially and to see when this loan is paid in full if the township could possibly give the residents a reduced monthly fee.

However, the board could not agree on a study, so after discussion and advisement from the engineer, they made a motion to suggest having a capital reserve report be complete.

“The gist of it was we went into it with where we’re at, how we could move forward, if we could move forward,” said board Chairman Fred Kemmerer. “We have a note that’s going to be paid off in October.”

Kemmerer said the board wanted to see if it could give residents who have been paying for so many years a break, and split the loan amount that will be paid off in October in half, with half for saving and the other half to be used to reduce the monthly sewer fee by about $5 to $7.

Currently, customers pay a $60 per month user fee.

Kemmerer noted the township has about $400,000 in its sewage account, though it has spent some of that.

Supervisor Robin Cressley said the board was told the township should have around $900,000 to $1,000,000 in its account before it should even thing about expanding the sewer or reducing fees.

The township will need to have a reserve to able to maintain its sewer line and pump stations in case of repairs or replacements that may be needed because its system is now 20 years old.

It was also noted the township still has a PennVest loan to pay back for another 10 years as well.

Cressley cautioned that things aren’t going to get any cheaper in the foreseeable future.

Kemmerer then suggested splitting 50% into capital reserve, and 50% savings to the residents who are in good standing.

Supervisor Jason Frey said he agreed with Kemmerer. and added, “I think this is a long time coming.”

However, Cressley said “I think 100% should be banked.”

“We used to give to the savings,” Cressley said. “Now, we take from the savings.”

Kemmerer said that while it might sound unheard of to give money back to residents for paying all the time, it’s something the board should consider.

But, township solicitor Tom Nanovic told Kemmerer he didn’t know if that’s something the board would be allowed to do.

A motion was then made by Cressley to do a feasibility study, but failed due to a lack of a second.

At last month’s supervisors meeting, it was announced the board was considering a feasibility study to determine where expansion should be.

Kemmerer suggested the study, as the township was interested in expanding the line to Christman ball field.

It was also stated at that time the township also wants to be prepared if a proposed 72-home development goes through.

The sewer line, which encompasses Lehighton, Franklin, Mahoning and Weissport, is 20 years old.

About 600 customers in Franklin Township are on the initial sewer line.

New customers would pay $3,000 to connect and then $60 a month.