As previously reported in the PSATS Morning News, a divided Pennsylvania Supreme Court recently ruled that a stormwater management charge imposed by the Borough of West Chester was a tax that could not be collected from West Chester University, a Commonwealth entity immune from municipal taxation.

The Supreme Court determined that the borough, a home rule municipality, was acting in a public capacity because it was “providing stormwater management services out of duty, for the public benefit, and in the absence of a contractual relationship” and that, as a result, its charge was a tax.

The Second Class Township Code is the only Pennsylvania municipal code that has language expressly authorizing stormwater management fees (the Municipalities Authorities Act also has similar language applicable to municipal authorities). Section 2705 of the Second Class Township Code states, that “a township may assess reasonable and uniform fees based in whole or in part on the characteristics of the property benefited from the facilities, systems, and management plans.” Considering this statutory authorization, PSATS recommends that townships continue with their stormwater management fee programs unless a court rules that assessment of fees under Section 2705 of the Second Class Township Code is impermissible (the Supreme Court’s decision did not address Section 2705 of the Second Class Township Code).

As with any instance in which the Supreme Court issues a ruling impacting municipal governments, PSATS also recommends that its members consult with their solicitors or other legal advisors and determine whether any changes should or could be made to improve their stormwater management fee ordinances in light of the decision.

Allegheny Township residents — this is a friendly reminder that Keystone Collections Group manages the Stormwater Fees that are now billed once per year, not quarterly or semi-annually.

2026 Stormwater Fee bills will be mailed on February 1, 2026. Keep an eye out for your bill in the mail during the first weeks of February. See this sample 2026 Stormwater Bill from Keystone Collections Group.

What to know:

• • Invoices will come from Keystone Collections Group
  • This is a YEARLY stormwater bill
  • Bills are mailed, by Keystone Collections Group, in early February
  • Payments are handled through Keystone Collections Group (not the Township)
  • Online, mail, phone, and in-person payment options are available with Keystone Collections Group 

More details and payment instructions will be included directly on your bill. If you have questions after receiving it, Keystone Collections Group can assist.

Thanks for helping us keep township stormwater systems maintained and running properly!

Please take notice that per the Pennsylvania Second Class Township Code, the Allegheny Township Board of Supervisors will conduct its annual reorganization meeting on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 6pm. The Board of Supervisors have set the following 2026 dates for their monthly legislative meetings, scheduled for the second Monday of each month as follows: January 12, February 9, March 9, April 13, May 11, June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14, October 12, November 9, December 14. All meetings shall be held at the Township Community Building, 136 Community Building Road and all shall commence at 6pm. The Planning Commission will meet at the same location on the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm providing there is business. Residents and taxpayers of Allegheny Township are welcome to attend and participate.