John Nagel, the Finance Director for Whitpain Township, presented the plan for the township to collect the more than $314,000 in back sewer bills owed to the township.

Some of the back bills have been unpaid to the township for over 30 years. There are 185 properties in the township with back sewer bills. Property owners with back sewer bills have been notified by the township.

In the past, the township has put liens on properties, but that only allows the township to collect the money owed at the time of sale or transfer. Currently there are approximately five liens per property.

Earlier this year, Whitpain Township Board of Supervisors approved the water shut off agreement with the companies that cover the area.

The new effort will change the way the township collects back sewer bills.

The new billing scenario would lien a property when the sewer bills reach $1,000 or three years from the date of the first delinquency. Once the sewer bill owed is at or beyond $1,000 the water shut off process will begin. Only after the bill is paid will the water be turned back on.

James Garrity, township solicitor, said once the township has the sewer bills back under control, he advised that the Board may want to reassess this and lower the threshold to $200 to $300.

Sewer bills can also be paid online using a credit card, but going to payment the website.

“We need to hold people more accountable,” said Board Chairman Joseph Palmer.

“This is a commitment everyone has made as part of the community,” Palmer added.