Penn Hills Council on Monday responded to residents who are confused by the two rounds of sewer bills Central Tax Bureau recently sent.

Central Tax Bureau originally sent bills for November, December and January with charges erroneously based on the higher 2008 rate and the new $30 quarterly charge.

Central Tax then sent new bills for the same quarter with charges based on the 2007 rate and without the quarterly charge after municipal officials requested adjusted bills.

Residents who have Wilkinsburg-Penn Joint Water Authority as their water service provider but paid the first Central Tax bill will receive a credit on their second quarter sewer bills, said Councilwoman Sara Kuhn.

Residents who have Wilkinsburg-Penn Joint Water Authority as their water service provider but did not pay the first Central Tax bill should pay the second Central Tax bill, she said.

Residents who have Oakmont Water Authority as their water service provider but paid the first Central Tax bill will receive a refund from the municipality for the difference between the 2007 and 2008 rates, in addition to a refund of the $30 quarterly charge, said Diane Fitzhenry, deputy municipal clerk.

Residents who have Oakmont Water Authority as their water service provider but did not pay the first Central Tax bill should pay the second Central Tax bill, Kuhn said.

Residents served by Oakmont Water Authority began receiving their first combined quarterly water and sewer bills this month.

Residents served by Wilkinsburg-Penn Joint Water Authority are expected to receive combined quarterly water and sewer bills this summer.

Municipal officials hope the combined bills will increase collection of sewer fees and reduce delinquent sewer bills.

Resident Anthony Sorce said he is confused because the letter attached to the second Central Tax bill is not clear. He paid the first bill Central Tax sent.

Resident James Cox said Central Tax is not competent and billing for the first quarter has been confusing.

Central Tax assumed most residents didn't pay their bills when it mailed the second bill and the attached letter, Fitzhenry said.

Residents also expressed concern about the 2008 rate increase, from $8.38 to $10.07 per 1,000 gallons used, and the $30 quarterly service charge for 2008.

Steve Perkovic said that as a disabled Vietnam War veteran, his income is limited and he already can't afford his prescriptions and gas for his car.

Perkovic said he is concerned that he will lose his home because he can't afford the water he uses.

Cynthia Riddle said the increased sewer fees are causing residents to sell their homes because they don't want to pay more. She said she will move.

To help residents deal with the higher sewer charges and back-to-back sewer bill payments, council unanimously approved suspending surcharges and interest on late payments for 2008.

Penn Hills is not the only community that is dealing with higher sewer rates, Kuhn said. North Huntingdon plans to increase sewer rates, she said.

All other communities will face higher costs for sewer service, Kuhn said.

Penn Hills had to raise its sewer rate and add the quarterly charge to pay down the $92 million in debt that has acculumated from bonds floated to make unfunded but mandated sewer system repairs, said Mayor Anthony DeLuca Jr.

Penn Hills did not have an option on whether to make the repairs because they were required by a federal consent decree. Penn Hills officials are trying to free the municipality from the consent decree, Kuhn said.