Chester board introduces opt-out law for cellular water meters after public comment on health and privacy

The Town of Chester on Dec. 10 introduced a local law to allow property owners to opt out of the installation of cellular endpoints on water meters and set a public hearing for Jan. 14, 2026.

Supervisor Holdridge introduced Introductory Local Law 13 of 2025 after a public comment period that included written and oral remarks from Mel Nuer of Lincoln Road. Nuer urged the board “in the strongest possible terms to reject any opt-out fee for residents who choose to keep their existing analog meters,” citing health and privacy concerns and asserting that state legislation (Assembly Bill 3978 and a Senate companion) would prohibit utilities from charging opt‑out fees.

Nuer told the board that cellular endpoints “use the cellular network to send water usage data” and argued that the devices create privacy profiles and raise health concerns. Nuer also questioned the town’s claim that manual reading is too costly and urged Chester to “get ahead of the law and do the right thing voluntarily.”

Board members said the town recognizes resident concerns and that any fee schedule would be set by resolution if the local law is adopted following the public hearing. The introductory local law declares the board lead agency for SEQRA review, classifies the proposed action as an unlisted action, and schedules the hearing for Jan. 14, 2026 at 6:45 p.m. at Chester Town Hall (1786 Kings Highway).

The transcript records that no opt-out fee had been agreed to at the time of the meeting; officials said the fee — if proposed later — would be added to the town fee schedule after public process. The board will receive additional public comment at the Jan. 14 hearing before any final action.