City residents weigh-in on potential $90 million from BASA sale
The city of Butler held an open house Wednesday, July 26, to discus what to do with the proceeds generated from the sale of the Butler Area Sewer Authority, if the deal goes through.
If the sale is approved by the Pennsylvania Utility Commission, it will generate approximately $180 million for the City of Butler and Butler Township, which will be split evenly. The meeting provided an opportunity for residents and business owners to talk to council members about how to use of the potential funds.
“We have thoroughly discussed all the things that this money will impact,” said Mayor Robert Dandoy. “We don’t know, maybe we missed something. We want to hear what the residents want.”
The mayor also said he wanted to hear what priorities residents might have for the potential funds.
“That’s what we’re trying to achieve tonight,” said Dandoy to the residents before the open house. “It is to get ideas from as many people as we can about what we can use this money for and how we can make Butler better.”
The system was sold for $231.5 million on Oct. 11. The acquisition is still subject to approval by the Public Utility Commission, which is ongoing.
Heather Pringle from Center Township took the opportunity to talk to council member Frederick Reese about her concern with the sale of the sewer authority.
“I’ve heard from people in other areas this has happened to,” Pringle said. “Their bills have gone up exponentially.”
Local business owner Denny Offstein talked to several council members including the mayor about his idea to put the money in an account and just spend the interest.
As for what to do with the interest, Offstein suggested spending it on the children of Butler.
“I’ve been an advocate for children,” Offstein said. “They need to do more things for the children.”
Sandy Pontius, of Butler, also believes that the money should go towards children in the form of a playground on the south side of the city.
“There’s a skate park there, but there’s no real playground,” Potius said. “They have one set of swings for young children, but obviously they could use more swings, sliding boards, jungle gym and whatever the current stuff is.”
Dandoy, who believes the $90 million could last generations, said he is keen on being as transparent as possible throughout the process of the sale.
“If we get people behind this, amazing things will happen” Dandoy said. “That’s why I want everyone to know and understand every bit of it. Plus the fact as a representative of government this is not my $90 million. This is their $90 million.”
A public hearing is scheduled for Friday, July 28, and Monday, July 31.
