The final 2025 Coplay Whitehall Sewer Authority monthly meeting was held Dec. 18 at the CWSA building. Chairman James Hahn initially noted that prior to the session, an executive session was held to discuss litigation and personnel.

Hahn mentioned resolution 265J, which allows for a small increase in rates in 2026. Customers using 1,000 cubic feet and less will see an increase from $50 per quarter to $60 per quarter. Customers in the 1,000 to 2,000 range will see an increase from $55 to $66. Even with this increase, board members stressed CWSA’s rates are among the lowest in the state.

Hahn expressed anticipation of a considerable CWSA payment due to Kline’s Island in the next few years for the ongoing upgrade project.

General Manager Matt Harleman brought up the topic of Emerson Village, a new 55-and-older neighborhood on Rural Road, saying they did a good amount of their phase 1 sewer installation in the fall and now have made a request to reduce their construction security. Their original balance was $560,400, and the request is to reduce it to $380,300. Harleman said he finds that acceptable and recommended the board vote to release that amount. A vote to release the requested amount was held later in the meeting, and the motion was carried.

Harleman mentioned an email from Liesel Gross, at Lehigh County Authority, about a Department of Environmental Protection letter for updating the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit at Kline’s Island. Harleman said there were other attachments included that total hundreds of pages. He offered the board members copies if interested.

Harleman thanked the board for allowing continuation of the Christmas lunch tradition.

The final 2026 operating and capital improvement budget was voted on and carried.

The 2026 monthly board meetings will continue 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month.

CWSA gives local donations each year to both Whitehall and Coplay in the amount of $1,000. Assistant Secretary Jim Roth requested the Whitehall donation go to Whitehall Matt Club (wrestling), which started a girls program this year. Vice Chairman Paul Roth requested the Coplay donation go to Coplay Fire Department for planned renovations.