How is this utility different from a tax?

Taxes are collected from property owners, are based on the assessed value of their property, to cover costs for general Township services. Under a utility approach a base rate rather than a tax is established. The base rate is established on cost to operate and maintain the system. The costs are distributed across users who are served by the utility, which in this case is the current and proposed enhanced stormwater system.

Show All Answers

1. What is stormwater and why is it a concern for Cranberry Township?
2. What is the Township’s Stormwater Management Program?
3. What is a base rate utility and who pays it?
4. Are property owners who don’t use public sewer and water part of the base rate utility?
5. Why not use the Township’s General Fund to absorb these costs?
6. If the stormwater rate is to generate funds to replace the dollars currently coming from the General Fund, how are those General Fund dollars being re-purposed?
7. What is mandated?
8. Why is this a utility?
9. What is considered a developed property?
10. What is the Cranberry Township General Authority?
11. What's the basis for the utility system management?
12. How will the proposed stormwater management program be implemented?
13. What about commercial properties?
14. How will the Township calculate impervious surfaces for commercial properties?
15. What if my house is smaller than my neighbor's house?
16. What’s the difference between a publicly or privately-owned stormwater system?
17. How is this utility different from a tax?
18. How does the appeal process work?
19. What is the summary of the program?