Red Hook schedules public hearing on proposed sewer O&M jump to $178 per benefit unit

The Village Board voted to schedule a public hearing for Feb. 9, 2026 on a proposed increase to sewer O&M charges after the village reported much higher operating costs than originally estimated.

Mayor and staff told trustees the original O&M estimate for the sewer system was about $91,481, but the best current estimate for continued operation is roughly $215,000. The jump reflects higher electric bills, extra pumping, increased supplies and repair and maintenance after the village identified operational shortfalls in the plant. Village staff said sludge removal and inspections of distributed sewer tanks also increased costs.

To cover ongoing operations, the board proposed establishing an updated sewer O&M charge of $178 per benefit unit per quarter beginning with March 2026 billing and scheduled a public hearing on Feb. 9 for formal comment. A benefit unit was explained as the equivalent of an average household water use (150 gallons/day); the board said the rate schedule and a property‑specific chart will be posted online so residents can check how the proposal would affect their bills.

Staff also described near‑term operational steps: H2O assumed day‑to‑day plant operation on Jan. 1, DEC visited the plant after two Nov./Dec. discharges and found operations acceptable during the inspection, and a USDA Rural Water representative is reviewing electricity usage to identify savings opportunities. The board said it will continue to seek operational efficiencies and will accept feedback during the Feb. 9 hearing before any final vote on the new rate.

What's next: the village will publish a chart showing projected bills by benefit units and post supporting documents online; the Feb. 9 public hearing will collect resident comment before any formal rate adoption by the board.