The deadline is approaching if residents of Summit Township want their $6,000 tap-in fee for the new sewage system to be paid for by the Community Development Block Grant.

The township is working on a $16 million sewage system overhaul project that will serve hundreds of residents and businesses in the area, and is expected to be completed in 2025.

Many residents expressed frustration about the mandatory $6,000 tap-in fee at a July 29 town hall-style meeting at the township, but Wendy Leslie, Butler County's Community Development Block Grant administrator, said low- and moderate-income residents of the township could apply to have that fee completely covered by the grant.

The deadline to apply is Oct. 1, and Leslie said the money available through the grant, a pool that sits at approximately $244,234, can pay the tap-in fee for more than 80 residents.

“As long as they own their home and are living there, if they qualify low- or moderate-income, they can apply to have the CDBG pay the fee on their behalf,” Leslie said.

According to Leslie, a one-person household with an annual income under $47,500 qualifies for the grant, a two-person household with less than $54,300 annually qualifies and a three-person household below $61,100 qualifies. The grant accounts for a household of up to eight people, which would have to have an annual income of under $89,600 to qualify for the grant.

Applicants have to provide their anticipated annual income, the number of people in the household as well as proof of property ownership, a copy of the most recent paid real estate taxes and a federal income tax form.

“If we would have more applicants apply than funding, we would serve lowest income first,” Leslie said.

Dave Barry, emergency management coordinator for Summit Township, said the value of the tap-in fee is proportional to the cost of the project to the township.

“With all the personnel that are going to be on the system, it gives enough money to make it feasible for us to construct this project,” Barry said at the special meeting. “We do have grant applications, we have the possibility for low-interest loans; we've got grant money available.”

According to Leslie, the township supervisors put aside their potential grant funding for the past three years in preparation for the commencement of the sewer overhaul project. The grant is available annually for townships to apply for to serve community needs, and the tap-in fee fits in that wheelhouse, Leslie said.

“It has to benefit low-moderate income people or areas,” Leslie said of the grant. “You need to help those who could possibly not afford tapping in.”

Leslie said she understands some people may be apprehensive to provide personal and financial details to a county office. However, she said she is the only person who will open and process the sealed applications.

“It is all confidential, we are very careful with that information and it does not get out,” she said. “You will get a letter from us telling you that your fee has been paid.”

The grant application is due Oct. 1, and is available online and at the Summit Township office. Those with questions can contact the township at 724-285-1168 or Leslie at 724-284-5303.