By Tracy Ouellette
Staff writer
At a special Town of Waterford Sanitary District meeting held Feb. 8, commissioners responded to most – but not all – questions posed by the Waterford Post about WSD’s finances.
In an email earlier sent to each Commissioner, the Post had specifically asked for input about possible increased rates for all users, including those with grinder pumps.
At the Feb. 8 meeting, Commissioners did not address reported plans to raise grinder pump fees and they accepted no questions from those in attendance.
But Commissioners did confirm plans to raise everyone’s user fees by about $5 per quarter to help bridge a shortfall in the cost of operations vs. revenues.
They also confirmed they are looking at a possible sale of the Municipal Building.
“Any talk of selling the building is in the preliminary stages,” cautioned Commissioner Donna Block.
Commissioner Jeff Santaga agreed, saying multiple options are being considered and further steps will only be taken if that was in the best interest of the District and its users.
The issue with the Municipal Building, commissioners agreed, was a 99-year lease in which the Town pays just $1 annually for the rental of the Town Hall space.
Commissioner Bill Gerard said WSD is “barely making its expenses,” hence the rate increase, plus they also need to look at the future of the district.
Finally, Commissioners also defended the District’s $681,000 in reserve funds as a reasonable caution against disaster as well as good business sense because, for example, it affects the District’s bond rating if money needs to be borrowed.
-
-
-
-
-