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Glens Falls water board formalizes switch-gear reimbursement, reviews financing for electrical upgrade and truck lease
Summary
The Glens Falls City Water and Sewer Board approved a retroactive fund transfer to reimburse switch-gear work, approved a retroactive tax relevy correction for 24 accounts, discussed long-term financing for an electrical upgrade and vehicle lease financing, and authorized an RFP for reservoir/intake inspections to meet New York State dam-safety requirements.
The Glens Falls City Water and Sewer Board on Jan. 5 approved administrative corrections and discussed capital projects and financing for the water and sewer system.
The board approved a retroactive transfer of funds to reimburse switch-gear work that had been previously authorized by the city council but not properly documented by the water and sewer board. Staff said the transfer corrects paperwork identified by the auditors. The board also moved to formalize a retroactive relevy of 24 past-due water and sewer bills onto the 2025 property tax roll to align billing paperwork with county levy procedures.
Board members spent significant time on capital planning. Staff reported interest from the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) and other financing sources for a planned electrical upgrade; options discussed included long-term financing (roughly 30–35 years) and potential grants. Staff said construction may be 18 months out with another roughly 36 months before equipment shipment/installation, and that bond counsel and insurance reviews are in progress. Staff also reported successful testing of the new switch gear: a recent test saw the system auto-switch back on roughly 30 seconds after a simulated fault, a result staff described as reassuring.
The board reviewed a proposed lease-financing plan for a new fabrication/truck unit, noting the existing truck has heavy wear from hydro excavation and other duties. Staff outlined trade-in and repair-cost scenarios and said the department has budgeted for vehicle replacement over multiple years.
Separately, the board approved issuing an RFP for engineering inspection and an inspection/maintenance plan for the reservoir and intake to comply with New York State dam-safety requirements; staff estimated reports from contractors by mid-summer.
Votes at a glance: transfer of funds for switch-gear reimbursement (approved); retroactive relevy of 24 water and sewer bills onto the 2025 tax roll (approved). Several other items were discussed and will return for future action.
The board scheduled follow-up work with bond counsel and staff and set upcoming meeting dates for Jan. 20 (workshop) and Feb. 2 (regular meeting).
