This article shows how public assets such as land and operations of public utilities (water and electric) can be huge revenue generators when managed competently. Mismanaged, and these assets become weights around a municipalities neck, failing to provide the public services in which created and intended, and ultimately costing millions in repairs and upkeep. Politicians instead of realizing the intrinsic and long-term value of these assets have looked at them as immediate "cash cows" and sources of revenue for the general fund at the expense of creating an Independent, self-sustaining utility.
Here in the Village of Ilion we have seen or public water system decay to the point of tens of millions of dollars needed to assure safe, clean, and potable drinking water. This decay is the direct result of decades of mismanagement. The water shed has become deforested and resulted in agricultural runoff and other environmental pollution. Trees were cut at the reservoirs and Russell park with no forest management forethought or reforestation program. This was strictly done to generate small amounts of immediate revenues, used for retirements and other benefits, at the expense of the utility, public health, and long-term viability of these resources (another John Stephens debacle).
The city of Little Falls and MVWA have extensive water sheds and professional management overseeing its protection and use, Ilion does not politicians are in charge. Russell Park if managed correctly could be self-sustained with its own budget, funded through many different revenue streams, much like the Marina with its fees and services. The Village's water shed (reservoirs, intakes, treatment plant, etc.) can be utilized for other potential revenue sources and or sold. Hydroelectric can be considered at the 160-million-gallon facility on Warren Road, no longer suitable for public drinking water. The possibility of fees for recreational hunting, fishing, camping could be realized, many publicly owned reservoirs already do this, not Ilion. Reservoir sludge can be sold for fertilizer, DEC and or The State Canal Authority may be interested in reservoirs and intakes or the treatment faculty for hatcheries and or fisheries Delta, city of Little Falls and Hinckley already do this, not Ilion.
Mr. Lamica's and Lester's dream of a greater Herkimer County water authority are just that a dream. Little Falls may have some potential, but Ilion has missed it's opportunity. Water and electrical Assets must be sold off and or utilized and privately managed. Over 100years and millions of dollars wasted are the facts upon which this is based.
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