Butler City Council has approved another renewal of the confidentiality agreement between the city, Butler Township, the Butler Area Sewer Authority and Pennsylvania American Water Company, extending its effectiveness until Sept. 30.

Mayor Bob Dandoy said the initial plan for the renewal was to extend the agreement an additional 30 days, which the city has done several times since January, when a confidentially agreement was first reached. The agreement allows Pennsylvania American officials to determine BASA’s assets before a possible sale.

Dandoy said council decided Thursday to extend the agreement until the end of September rather than for another 30-day period because the ninth month may mark the end of the talks. BASA board members renewed the agreement at their Tuesday meeting as well.

Dandoy also said having talks take place confidentially will allow the city to gather information so it can provide answers to people who will be affected by the sale.

“We don't have answers to all the questions yet,” Dandoy said. “So once we understand what we can possibly be moving into, what are the ramifications there; when we do start talking to the public we can say 'OK, they have questions, we have answers.'”

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