Concerns rise about Butler sewer authority ownership
The first of a three-part package examining the potential sale of Butler Area Sewer Authority to Pennsylvania American Water Company.
As the negotiations between the Butler Area Sewer Authority and Pennsylvania American Water Company grind on and the confidentiality agreement between the two entities is extended, those in the know have strong opinions for and against the sale of the publicly held authority to the private water and sewer corporation.
The authority is run by a five-person board of directors, three of whom are appointed by Butler City Council and two by Butler Township commissioners.
The city, township and authority have been under a confidentiality agreement with the water company since December 2021 as it is decided whether the company will purchase the authority and its sewer system.
The authority also provides sanitary sewer service in Center Township and East Butler, as well as to a handful of customers in other municipalities.
Should the water company buy the authority, the profit would be split between the township and city.
Many are in favor of the sale, others oppose the authority being purchased by a private company, and at least two elected officials haven’t yet made up their minds.
Elements two and three can be read:
