CENTER TWP — Supervisors are opposed to the sale of the Butler Area Sewer Authority to Pennsylvania American Water Company, in part because they have no representation on the authority board.

In response, the township supervisors decided at Wednesday's meeting to have their solicitor draft a letter to the sewer authority asking for some kind of say in the potential sale of the system, which serves Center Township residents.

The sale is not final, but supervisor chairman Ron Flatt said the potential to be under the control of Pennsylvania American Water would hinder the township's input even more.

“If it's sold, we would have even less ability for input, realizing we already have limited say,” Flatt said. “The way it's set up right now, if an increase came through, at least it's a local board we are communicating with.”

Supervisor Ed Latuska said he fears residents would see their rates increase if the sale goes through, and there would be no benefit to the township.

“We (would) have no say so,” Latuska said. “And we don't get any of the money.”

Flatt said the township had advocated that the sewer authority board expand to more members to allow Center Township to have representation, which was declined.

He said the supervisors hope to speak at a meeting of the BASA soon to voice their concerns.

“We would like to at least be able to comment on this issue,” Flatt said. “We have felt all along that we should have representation.”