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Grand Island sets public hearing on sewer rate increase; residents press board on deer control and bridge repairs
Summary
The board set a Dec. 15 public hearing for a proposed sewer-rent increase from $6.30 to $6.70 per 1,000 gallons effective Jan. 1, 2026. Residents also raised concerns about deer overpopulation and the condition of the South Grand Island Bridge; board members said they are coordinating with DEC and monitoring state repair funding.
The Grand Island Town Board set a public hearing for Dec. 15 at 8 p.m. on a proposed sewer-rent increase included in the 2026 budget. The proposed rate change would raise the sewer charge from $6.30 per 1,000 gallons to $6.70 per 1,000 gallons effective Jan. 1, 2026; the board voted to set the public hearing at its Nov. 24 meeting.
Residents used the public-comment portion of the meeting to press the board on several community issues. Bobby Cushing asked whether the town is doing anything about an overpopulation of deer, reporting herds in yards. Councilman Kilmer said he and the Supervisor have contacted Ryan Rockefeller at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and that the town will wait until after hunting season to pursue a meeting, noting the DEC asked them to wait until hunting season concluded.
Kathy Bridal, president of CRED for GI, asked about the South Grand Island Bridge. She said a 2020 Thruway Authority report identified structural elements in poor condition and that Senator Chuck Schumer announced $39 million in funding for repairs in April 2024; she asked what the town is doing to press for those repairs. The board acknowledged the concern and said they will continue to push on infrastructure and liaise with state agencies.
What’s next: The sewer-rent public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 15, 2025 at 8 p.m. Board liaisons will continue discussions with DEC about deer management and follow up on any steps the town can take regarding bridge-repair advocacy.
