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North Greenbush approves out-of-district water agreement; board details hookup costs
Summary
The Town Board approved an Out of District User Water Agreement after discussing how nearby residents may connect to a newly completed transmission line; the town attorney said bonding to form a water district would add about $1,500 annually per household, and homeowners would still pay hookup and operating costs.
The North Greenbush Town Board on July 11 approved an Out of District User Water Agreement that allows residents to connect to a recently completed water transmission line along Route 43, but requires connections to be done at homeowners’ expense and treats those customers as outside the town water district. Supervisor Bott moved to authorize execution of the agreement; the motion carried with all members present voting aye.
Town Attorney Fred Kirwin told the board that the engineering firm LaBerge compiled cost estimates and that creating a water district through bonding would add “approximately $1,500 annually per household” to taxes, while homeowners would still owe usage charges, operation and maintenance costs, and contractor fees to physically hook up service. Eric Westfall, the town engineer, invited a resident with a well problem (Lori) to discuss options in his office.
Residents pressed for clarity on costs and process. Councilman Sabo asked whether people could still connect to the line; Supervisor Bott said they could but must work with Water Supervisor Keith Hankle and would be handled as out-of-district users. Councilwoman Sabo noted grant programs may exist to offset hookup costs; the board asked staff to provide further information on potential funding.
The discussion also touched on construction constraints: resident Steve Gavitt asked why rock and shale were concentrated on one side of Route 43, slowing hookups; Supervisor Bott and Councilwoman Sabo said the town’s control is limited by local geology and that prior work on other properties had required costly drilling. Eric Westfall said water pressure has improved following completion of the transmission line.
Next steps: residents interested in connecting are to contact Water Supervisor Keith Hankle and may consult with the town engineer; the board will also look into grant options and provide further documentation on the bonding and hookup costs upon request.
