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Town of Phillipsburg, New Jersey
Mayor Harry Wyant
Population: 15,800 City Contact: Mayor Harry Wyant
DESCRIPTION
OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT The Town of Phillipsburg was concerned about escalating operational costs and
intermittent odor problems at its wastewater treatment facility. To address
these issues they considered professional contract operation and maintenance of
the facilities. In April 1995, the Town entered into an operation and
maintenance agreement with US Water to manage their 3.5-mgd wastewater treatment
plant and associated pump stations. The Town retained responsibility for the
sanitary sewer collection system. Ownership of all wastewater facilities
remained with the Town. US Water also undertook management of the Industrial
Pretreatment Program. US Water assumes the risk of compliance and operational
costs. The professional services agreement was tailored to the Town's needs and
best interests.
ESTIMATED/ACTUAL
COST SAVINGS—
Capital Upgrades, Consumer Rates and
Fees
Currently the Town is planning an
upgrade/expansion of the treatment facility to accommodate growth in the
surrounding municipalities served by the plant. The cost savings from the professional services agreement were passed along
to the residents of Phillipsburg in a reduced sewer charge. During the first
year of operations, US Water saved the Town almost $550,000. In addition, US
Water implemented cost effective operational changes/improvements to mitigate
odor problems and virtually eliminated odor complaints. No concession fees were paid to the Town as part of the professional services
agreement.
LABOR
RELATIONS US Water hired six of the existing plant personnel at equal salary packages.
The employees who transferred to US Water decided not to remain unionized. The
current operation incorporates a staff of five with additional support services
in areas of maintenance, laboratory along health and safety from the US Water
team. |
J. Thomas Cochran, Executive Director
1620 Eye Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006
Telephone (202) 293-7330, FAX (202) 293-2352
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