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Board approves 2% rate increases across multiple water/sewer districts amid concerns over Route 12 water losses
Summary
After lengthy review of district finances, the Town Board approved motions for a 2% across-the-board rate increase for several water districts to shore up reserves; staff highlighted suspected large unaccounted-for losses on Route 12 and recommended meter calibration and journal reconciliations for wheeling charges.
The Town Board voted to apply a 2% rate increase to several water and sewer districts after hearing detailed budget reviews from staff. The increases were proposed to rebuild reserves, fund telemetry and repairs, and keep budgets sustainable amid inflation. "I have a motion for a 2% increase," the Chair said when putting the proposal to a voice vote.
Staff and board members spent significant time on Otter Street and Route 12 issues, flagging a suspected 35%–50% loss of billed water on Route 12 and a disputed $48-per-EDU wheeling charge that affects inter-district accounting. Sandy urged meter calibration and journal entries to reconcile wheeling charges: "Route 12 has probably got a 35% to 50% water loss," she said. The board passed the 2% motions by voice vote and directed staff to refine the figures and investigate meter calibration and other causes of loss before the next meeting.
