Dobbs Ferry staff propose major sewer-rate increase; trustees direct staff to set a public hearing

Dobbs Ferry staff alerted trustees on March 10 that the village—s sewer system requires substantial near-term work and that estimated costs are higher than earlier projections. Staff described an initial near-term repair estimate of roughly $500,000 for the first phase and said their working projection for total expenditures in the coming year is closer to $1 million.

To cover the work, staff proposed raising the sewer rent and presented a sample rate calculation based on recent consumption (CCF). In the workshop transcript staff stated a rate figure "212" (noted as a draft calculation) and described that as an increase from a base value stated in the discussion as "35." Trustees repeatedly requested clarification on the units and calculation method; staff said the proposal and the required local steps would move forward through a public hearing and formal resolution.

Trustees instructed staff to draft a resolution to set a public hearing and to check procedural notice requirements and any New York State Public Service Commission steps that applied the first time the village set a sewer rate. Staff indicated the hearing could be scheduled to meet budget deadlines and that they would return with a formal draft resolution and supporting materials, including clearer per-CCF calculations and illustrative examples of household impact.

The board did not adopt a rate at the workshop. Instead trustees agreed to schedule a public hearing (staff proposed a notice timeline that would allow action before the budget adoption) and asked staff to supply clearer methodology, sample household bills at proposed rates, and documentation of the scope of needed sewer work.