Nesquehoning moves to dissolve Water Authority
By Caleb Brown | News Director
Nesquehoning Borough Council has approved a motion to dissolve the Borough’s Water
Authority on December 31, 2027, or sooner.
This decision comes after the authority’s 50-year charter life was set to expire by December 31
of this year. However, two motions were on the agenda. The motion to dissolve it and a motion
to extend it for two years. Borough Solicitor Robert Yurchak, who suggested the motion,
elaborated to council.
“My suggestion was to extend that {water authority’s charter} for a two-year period. To allow
you extra time and not feel under the gun to do anything before the end of the year.” Yurchak
stated. Ultimately, however, the length of the extension was at council’s request, with a
maximum extension choice of 50 years.
By extending it, it allows the authority to keep working within the borough. However, Yurchak
noted that he would have to file paperwork with the state, requesting enough time to do so.
Over lengthy questioning about the time frame of the extension council voted by a margin of 3 to
2, with one abstention from Councilman Paul Kattner, to extend the Water Authority’s charter by
two years. Yurchak would emphasize that council would be able to dissolve the authority at any
time before the completion of those two years if they so chose.
What followed was the motion to dissolve the authority which prompted more discussion among
council who remained conflicted. Kattner initially proposed the idea of tabling the motion until
the new council takes office, since they may have to deal with “any issues that might come up.”
Councilman Bruce Nalesnik countered that the current council has been through what he called
“exhaustive” discussions and meetings regarding the motion and felt a new council would have
to become reacquainted with the matter.
Council president David Hawk spoke with CC broadcasting staff regarding the motions and
elaborated further. “Council is looking at the eventual dissolution of the water authority and
absorbing the water system function into the borough, eliminating the authority.”
Councilwoman Lisa Shubeck ultimately made a motion to table it, but it was defeated after no
one seconded it. When put to a vote to act on the current motion, it came again to a vote of 3 to 2
in favor, with one abstention again from Kattner.