Mamaroneck board approves 20% water rate hike to fund Rye Lake filtration and system upgrades

The Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck voted to raise water-use rates by 20% effective with the next month's bill, after a presentation from David Berzel, chief financial officer of Westchester Joint Water Works, that linked the increase to a multi‑year capital plan and regulatory compliance work.

Berzel told the board the system's five‑year capital plan calls for about $218 million in projects, the largest being the Rye Lake filtration plant, which he said is roughly a $167 million to $175 million project. He said the filtration plant and related debt service are primary drivers of the proposed rate changes and described the proposed increase as necessary to keep the water system self‑supporting. "So the proposed water rate increase ... is, 20%," Berzel said in the presentation. He estimated a typical household using about 100,000 gallons a year would see an annual cost rise in the range of $204 to $340 depending on the rate scenario.

The board discussed the drivers and timing of the increases before moving to a formal motion. The board approved the resolution that "the town board hereby authorizes an increase of 20% to be applied to all applicable water use rates charged by the Westchester Joint Water Works effective with the next month's water bill." The roll call recorded aye votes from members present and the motion carried.

Why it matters: Westchester Joint Water Works supplies multiple municipalities; Mamaroneck's share of joint system costs was described as about 18% of joint projects and the presentation said the town's share of some joint projects would be roughly $29 million. The filtration plant was presented as necessary to resolve compliance issues and avoid potential fines, and Berzel noted the authority is exploring grants and subsidized financing to mitigate debt service costs, including a $30 million grant already secured for the filter plant and potential additional funding sources.

What the board said: The Town Supervisor disclosed that the Westchester Joint Water Works Board of Trustees is made up of the chief elected officer of each member municipality and noted she serves in that capacity; she explained that role before participating in the vote. Council members acknowledged the long planning horizon and the need to balance system reliability and affordability.

Next steps: The increase takes effect with the next billing cycle; staff and the waterworks board will continue to analyze financing opportunities and potential mitigations such as grants and subsidized loans described in the presentation.