The Coplay Whitehall Sewer Authority (CWSA) listened to audit reports from its accounting firm, insurance company, legal team and engineering advisor at its annual meeting May 16.

"This is one of the best managed authorities that we work with," said SSM Group Engineer Darryl Jenkins. SSM has been the authority's engineering firm for 30 years.

Jenkins reported on projects completed on Route 145 and the additional high capacity line bored under Route 22 to support the Lehigh Valley Mall.

The financial review presented by Jeff Dobeck of Buckno Lisicky & Company, PC, set the net worth of the authority at $18.5 million.

"Our report shows that the authority increased its debt for the Coplay Creek Interceptor project, but revenues ended the year with a surplus of $367,000 versus a deficit last year," he said.

The additional revenues were generated by a rate increase. The full financial report is available on request. Highlights of the report show revenues of $3.2 million and expenses of almost $3.1 million.

Dobeck echoed the positive opinions of the other professionals who reviewed the authority's operations. The audit is an unqualified opinion, which in accounting terminology means no questionable judgments or activities could alter the audit results.

Dobeck had no recommendations for the board for improving local procedures, however, an increase in reserves for pension liabilities, amounting to $144,000, was reported.

John Barry, representative from Brown and Brown Insurance, complimented the authority on its safety record and commitment to health forums sponsored by his company.

CWSA attorney Jack Stover reported no outstanding suits against the authority that could impact revenues. He did emphasize he is working with Lehigh County Authority (LCA) on agreements between CWSA and the LCA over the use of the Allentown Wastewater Treatment Plant that was leased to LCA.

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In other business, Jenkins reported that the Coplay Creek Interceptor project is ahead of schedule. Relief from the state that allowed the contractor to make water crossings that are restricted until June aided in completion.

"The state granted us some relief and that allowed us to move the project along efficiently," said Jenkins.

Last month, the board expressed concern over an infringement into its right-of-way by a supporting pier of the new Allentown access highway. Stover, Jenkins and David Harleman, CWSA general manager, reported that the issue has been resolved.

"We will have an inspector there when they pour the piers," said Stover.

Jenkins said the contractor agreed to box the area around the pipe if deemed necessary.

"The important thing is that we don't want to see the pipe buried in concrete if we ever need to access it for maintenance," said Jenkins, after the meeting.