BUTLER TWP — For the third time this year, a motion to give Center Township representation on the Butler Area Sewer Authority's board of directors failed.

The board deadlocked on a measure Tuesday that would have given Center Township — one of the seven municipalities served by the authority — a voting member. It voted 2 to 2 on the motion, meaning the measure failed.

The board's fifth member, Bill Hulton of Butler City, resigned Tuesday and was absent from the meeting.

Butler Township representatives George Shockey and Jerry Patterson voted in favor of the addition while city representatives John Heim and John Evans voted against it.

The board has been composed of two representatives who are appointed by Butler Township and three appointed from the city of Butler. There is no representation from East Butler and Center, Connoquenessing, Oakland and Summit townships.

In February, a similar motion failed by a 3-2 vote, with representatives from the city voting against the measure and the township's representatives voting yes.

A month later, the motion once again failed.

Center has sought representation because of the authority's consent order agreement with the state Department of Environmental Protection.

The agreement requires the authority to rid its system of stormwater infiltration that causes sewage overflows during heavy rains by July 31, 2012.