The proposed water rate increase of 2% by Village officials is unnecessary and likened to " throwing salt in an open wound". Residents have endured much hardship and sacrifice over the years regarding their public water supply and services. Asked to conserve, multiple boil water advisories, lead contamination, purchasing of bottled water, and enduring hardness and corrosion to plumbing the people have been long suffering.
The Village in return has utilized past double digit increases to pay for half a dozen or more retirements, and to pay for " Cadillac" benefit packages for these and current employees.
Cash flow issues continue, as well as poor operations and maintenance leading directly to poor water quality and boil water advisories (i.e., the latest UV outage, lack of well maintenance and proper and timely filter cleanings/ re -sanding). Money cannot resolve these management issues; history has borne this out. What is needed is for the VB to begin the attrition process and prepare the department and Village for the eventual full takeover of management, service and operations of its public drinking water, by the Mohawk Valley Water Authority.
The Authority has as well asked for a 2% water rate increase, here's the difference. They supply a professional, well financed and disciplined agency, open and transparent. Investing hundreds of millions of dollars over the years in upgrades and improvement to its infrastructure. Boil water advisories when they do happen, take hours to resolve, not days or weeks.
They are actively engaged in lead service line replacements, have an effective corrosion control treatment process, and provide a safe, adequate, and abundant supply of drinking water, not requiring conservation and or need to purchase bottle water, or fear of heavy metal side effects. All of this with lower rates and a projected savings of $200/ year per user when the Village discontinues treatment operations.
Say no to this requested increase, insult, and demand from Village officials to commence and speed up the process of getting out of the public water business.
David Murray
The United States Environmental Protection Agency establishes regulations for public water systems. Some states, such as New York, have been granted primacy, or primary regulatory authority, over water systems. NYS must establish regulations as least as strict as the US EPA.
This a company that is interested in safe water, this state statement is on their web site. No board (Trustee or MUB ) has ever been actively seeking better and stronger regulation changes.
Comments