Butler City Council approves BASA settlement
In a special meeting Friday, Aug. 11, Butler City Council became the final municipality to approve a settlement agreement for the sale of the Butler Area Sewer Authority system to Pennsylvania American Water.
“As far as I’m concerned, I’m ready to move forward and excited for the potential here,” Mayor Bob Dandoy said.
While the agreements remain confidential as part of the sale negotiations between BASA and Pennsylvania American, they are expected to become open to the public Monday, Aug. 14.
The city of Butler and Butler Township have been in support of the $231.5 million sale of BASA to Pennsylvania American.
Center and Summit township supervisors previously passed resolutions opposing it.
At an Aug. 2 meeting though, Summit Township supervisors agreed to the terms — followed by approval in both Butler and Center Townships on Wednesday, Aug. 9.
Butler’s unanimous approval Friday leaves the sale in the review of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
“We wait for everything to come down from the PUC and the judge now,” Dandoy said.
If the sale is approved, any proceeds that remain following the payment of debts and liabilities will be split evenly between Butler city and Butler Township.
Administrative Law Judge Marta Guhl, with the PUC, has extended the deadline for written comments in opposition to the settlement from Aug. 14 to Aug. 21.
“The next step from our perspective is the three parties will submit the settlement agreement to the judge,” said Tom Breth, the city’s solicitor. “And then once it’s submitted on Monday, it’s in the judge’s hands.”
