by M. M. Tirion
Money raised from property taxes do not support the operation of the water treatment plant on Raymond St nor the waste water treatment plant on Lower Cherry St. The funds needed to operate, service and maintain the water plant and the sewer plant are raised by user-fees: the water and sewer portions of the quarterly W/S/W bills. Pre-2018 the water and sewer funds routinely ran in the red as predicted revenues failed to match yearly expenses. After the introduction of the EDU-based billing system, the water fund as well as the sewer fund have run profitably with nearly $1.3 million in the water fund and $864,000 in the sewer fund at the end of FY2021 in spite of heavy expenses at the sewer plant.
In 2015, the village board adopted a fund balance policy to maintain at least $250,000 in the water fund as well as $250,000 in the sewer fund. Given that both funds have generously exceeded this since 2019, is it not time to lower the EDU and usage rates? While I welcome a surplus in the water and sewer funds to cover unexpected or anticipated overhauls and updates, the village operates without a multiyear capital plan and without a multiyear financial/strategic plan, which might justify overcharging customers now for anticipated outlays in future.
If inclined, please share your opinion via email or at the Village of Potsdam FB page or in person at the next board meeting (Monday 6 Feb at 6:00 pm)
Local Government Matters 