Sewer authorities bill Keystone Central SD; district to gather evidence before paying

The Keystone Central School District Facilities Committee spent substantial time on Jan. 27 addressing sewer‑authority complaints and billing related to runoff or debris in municipal lines near school properties.

Sam, the district facilities lead, told the committee Bald Eagle Township sent a Jan. 20 letter and a $2,000 maintenance charge for extra strainer‑basket cleanings near Central Mountain High School. "Now they're charging us a $2,000 extra maintenance fee," Sam said, and he recommended paying the initial charge while negotiating an annual maintenance arrangement if needed. He asked the township to provide a quote for long‑term maintenance costs so the district could compare that to installing on‑site infrastructure.

At the Mill Hall Borough item, members reviewed an outstanding bill from the prior year. The solicitor, as summarized by Dr. Redmond, recommended the district not pay without more substantiation because the language in the billing could increase the district's legal exposure. Dr. Redmond said, "the solicitor suggested that we... not pay without there being some substantiated claims." Sam said he would obtain written confirmation from Robinson septic service and assemble photographs and prior letters for legal review. Committee members agreed Sam should compile the documentation and coordinate with the solicitor before the district takes any payment action.

Committee members also requested the sewer authorities be invited to a facilities meeting so both parties could discuss recurring backups, grease and debris, documentation and possible annual maintenance options. "I'd welcome them into a facilities meeting so that we can stay on top of this problem," Chris said. The committee did not vote to pay Mill Hall; the transcript shows a recommendation to pay Bald Eagle's initial $2,000 and a plan to collect further evidence and engage the solicitor before additional payments or settlements.