A new system will simplify sewer and water billing for residents in the Greater Johnstown area.
The Greater Johnstown Water Authority (GJWA) and Johnstown Redevelopment Authority (JRA) are combining their customers’ bills.
The water authority’s managing company, RDM, won a 5-year contract to take over sewer and water billing for Johnstown Regional Sewage customers in the city of Johnstown, Lorain Borough, Brownstown Borough and Franklin Borough.
The change was sparked by frustration and confusion from customers over receiving three separate bills and high late fees.
“The main purpose of doing this is to make it easier for people to receive one bill and not have to pay the additional termination and posting notices,” said Michael Kerr, the resident manager for GJWA.
The new system will save the authorities money by cutting back on redundant mailing fees and labor costs. They estimate it will save about $300,000 a year. That money will help pay back PennVest loans for the sewage interceptor project.
Delinquent customers will pay less too. The late posting fee will drop from $50 to $15.
“What prevented it from happening in the past was a lot of people had to be on the same page,” said Kerr.
Instead of receiving three separate water and sewer bills, customers will now receive one bill with itemized charges.
Stephany Puniak lives in Brownstown Borough. She said being able to pay her bills at once will make her life easier.
“A lot of people are moaning. They have this sewage billing and that sewage billing. Brownstown sewage billing and Johnstown sewage billing. I don’t know. If that would all be combined, that would be great,” said Puniak.
Other customers said they might panic when they see a higher total amount due on the new bill. JRA Executive Director Melissa Komar said customers can pay their bill in increments.
“If they needed to make numerous payments as they did in the past. If the budgets in their homes were paid three times, they can still continue to do so,” said Komar.
Customers will be able to pay their bills in one place: by mail, online, over the phone or in person at the Greater Johnstown Water Authority office at 640 Franklin Street in Johnstown.
“The idea is to give them some relief and make the process easier for them to pay,” Kerr said.
The new billing system rolls out on October 2nd.
Residents with questions or concerns should contact the Greater Johnstown Water Authority office by calling: (814) 533-4300.