Mon Valley Sewage Authority: Normal operations resuming next week

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

The Mon Valley Sewage Authority will return to normal operations June 15.

During Monday’s meeting, board members discussed how to get back to normal and whether that’s possible.

The authority has been closed to the public since the start of the pandemic with payments only accepted by mail drop-off or online.

General Manager Thomas A. Salak said 11 employees moved from six-hour work days to eight-hour work days and were separated into two groups, working alternate weeks.

Three management employees, including Salak, and other office staff have been working close to full-time hours during the crisis under limited office hours to take care of phone calls and other administrative duties.

On Monday, the board unanimously decided to resume normal operations.

Board member Thomas Thompson made the motion to “bring everyone back to work.”

“Things are opening up and I think it’s time,” he said. 

Other board members echoed similar opinions, but want to ensure the safety of the authority office staff and other employees.

Beginning June 15, customers will be able to pay their sewage bills in person — one at a time. They will be required to wear masks while inside the building, and CDC guidelines will be followed.

Board member Brooke Farmer said safety is the most important concern.

“We have to watch out for our employees,” she said. “… I know we are green, but things are still popping up and there are still some people contracting this.”

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