Menands explores 5% water rate increase, grinder-pump fee and talks with Colonie over sewer charges

The Menands Village board discussed several utility measures at the budget workshop, including a 5% water rate increase, a proposed grinder-pump maintenance fee and continuing negotiations with the Town of Colonie over sewer payments.

Finance staff proposed a 5% increase in water revenues as part of the draft to keep utility operations on a stable path; the proposal would add roughly $15 in annual water revenues for a typical account based on current baselines presented at the workshop. In addition, staff recommended creating a grinder-pump maintenance fund funded by a billing surcharge: the draft proposal described $50 per billing period for affected accounts (twice-yearly billing was assumed), which the staff estimated would equate to about $100 per year per grinder-pump account. The village noted a single grinder-pump repair can cost approximately $4,000 and said about 68 grinder-pump accounts remain under the program that was originally grant‑supported.

Board and staff also reported ongoing talks with the Town of Colonie about sewer charges and reimbursements. Staff said the combined amount the town owes under current calculations may be in the low six figures and acknowledged that revenue timing and coding have at times obscured receipts; staff committed to provide itemized invoices and a reconciliation of town/county sewer billing. The village also examined county sewer assessment amounts and noted changes in debt-related assessments that will affect 2027 projections.

Staff said they would submit detailed modeling that shows the combined impact of a water-rate step, a grinder‑pump surcharge, and the proposed one-time deficit levy on utility reserves and future capital plans. The board did not vote on rate changes at the workshop and requested follow-up with clearer billing examples and a public notice plan before any rate or fee proposal.