Representatives of the Beaver Lake community spoke out against a sewer rate increase to be imposed next year at Wednesday’s Lycoming County Water Sewer Authority meeting.

Among other issues, Peter Hunter, Ralph Bitler and two others expressed unhappiness with the set increase from $131 to $161, stating there are “30 to 40 lots that no one will buy or build on” because sewer rates are already too expensive.

They said there are four lots central in the community that have not been hooked up to the authority’s system, though the state Department of Transportation has stated those lots should be connected. Losing money from those lots could be making rates more expensive for the rest of the community, they said.

“It seems no one out there is trying to cut costs for us, really,” Bitler said.

Authority board president Paul Wentzler said the group’s questions and comments are legitimate and he will work to provide answers. As far as prices go, the authority would like to meet with Beaver Lake residents and as many stakeholders as possible, such as the county commissioners and other local elected officials, in order to find ways to cut costs.

“We’re frustrated, we’re dealing with the same problems you are,” said Christine Weigle, executive director of the authority. “We want to be a part of the solution.”

“I think you do,” Hunter replied.

In another matter, the authority approved a change order to the Fairfield Road storage tank project, increasing the contract price for Doli Construction Corp. by $12,875 from $394,665 said Erin Threet, water and wastewater engineer. The change involved increasing the depth of the tank.

The authority also approved payments to Doli in the amount of $398,309 and to DN Tanks in the amount of $69,692. Both payments were for work done on the tank project so far.

The next meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4 at the authority’s administrative offices, 380 Old Cement Road, Montoursville.