Clarence officials respond to 'overdue sewer bill' claims
by KIMBERLY M. KARCHER Clarence Editor

The Town of Clarence has released a statement indicating that progress is being made toward resolution of outstanding sewage treatment bill payments.

Supervisor Kathy Hallock said that town officials were prompted to release the statement following an article that was published in The Buffalo News on Tuesday, April 24 that may lead some to believe that Clarence is not working to settle the payments.

"The town would like nothing more than to finalize payment and is hopeful that will happen soon," Hallock said.

The article in question was in reference to a proposed new sewer line which would be built next to an existing line, commonly referred to as the Peanut Line. The article stated that "Council members William L. Kindel and Shelly C. Schratz expressed doubts (about the proposed project), saying the new line will stimulate suburban sprawl and noting that Amherst officials continue to believe Clarence and Erie County owe Amherst for overdue sewage treatment bills."

As a response to "overdue bills," Clarence town officials stated that a subcommittee of the towns of Clarence and Amherst Engineering, Finance and Legal departments have taken steps to define a mutually agreeable billing formula.

"The Town of Clarence is awaiting a 'mock-billing' from the Amherst side of the subcommittee which will then be discussed at the next meeting to be scheduled after Clarence has received the 'mock-billing,'" Hallock said.

Clarence has paid $1.2 million of what it believes to be the outstanding balance due and owing, according to town officials.

"The Town of Clarence is committed to paying any sum owing Amherst after the findings and recommendations of the subcommittee," Hallock said.

e-mail: k k a rc h e r @beenews.com