Politics & Government

Clarkstown Joins Consortium Opposing Water Rate Hike

The Clarkstown Town Board took action on various items at its Tuesday meeting, including joining a municipal coalition that is seeking a reduction in United Water’s latest rate increase request.

The three members of the board present, Supervisor Alex Gromack and Council members Stephanie Hausner and Frank Borelli approved the town partnering with other municipalities in an effort to reduce the utility’s rate request filed last month. The town's share of the fees that will be paid to Attorney Daniel Duthie are capped at $15,000. Earlier this month Orangetown officials joined with the Solid Waste Authority and Village of Grand View in the consortium in paying what they expect to be $90,000 in legal fees. The legislature is also considering joining with the municipalities and other entities. 

The rate increase application filed with the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) on July 3 would raise the average customer’s bill by $12 per month, a total of $144 dollars per year after a review process that could take up to 11 months. The application also seeks permission to switch to monthly billing from quarterly statements. 

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Also, the board voted to continue a public hearing on a special permit until September. The Jewish Community Center of Rockland applied for a special permit for outdoor recreation, specifically for soccer fields on its property in West Nyack as well as an adjacent parcel owned by the Clarkstown Central School District. 

Board members approved a $70,500 proposal from H2M of New City for engineering and other services in connection with the solar panel field for the closed town landfill in West Nyack. The fees may be offset with funds from the New York Power Authority and NYSERDA. The feasibility study and permitting process for the installation of the solar array have already been completed. In the spring town officials predicted the construction of the project could begin later in the year with possible completion before December 31st.

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The board switched its October meeting date from Tuesday, Oct. 8 to Tuesday, Oct. 1 a 8 p.m. Additionally, it authorized Gromack to enter an agreement with Rockland County to receive $21,840 in forfeiture funds to purchase rifles. 


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