Emsworth's sewage and sewer surcharge fees will be changing with the next billing cycle after the borough council approved an ordinance amending its fee schedule during the Wednesday meeting of Emsworth Council.

Borough property owners currently pay a flat fee of $50 per quarter, which covers sewage service through ALCOSAN, and a borough surcharge to help pay for mandated sewer-related repairs.

The new fee structure could save some people money, while increasing the cost to those who use a lot of water.

Now, the fee paid to ALCOSAN will include a flat fee of $8.48, plus $4.04 for every 1,000 gallons of water used. The borough's surcharge will be made up of a flat quarterly fee of $2, plus a charge of $4.35 per 1,000 gallons of water used.

Any future ALCOSAN rate increases automatically will be assessed to customers.

Mayor Dee Quinn cast the deciding vote to adopt the ordinance after council came to a tie 3-3 vote. In favor of the ordinance were Council president Maria West and members Paul Getz and Connie Taylor. Opposed were Ken Kroen, David Heflin and Dan Lenz.

"Everybody should be paying their fair share," Quinn said.