Watkins board approves sewer rate increases

WATKINS GLEN--The Watkins Glen village board adopted a new set of sewer rates during the regular board meeting Monday, May 16. Superintendent of Utilities Mark Specchio presented the board with the proposed numbers during the April board meeting, which include double-digit percentage increases. The village officially adopted these increases Monday night.
The charge for zero to 300 cubic feet (or zero to 2,250 gallons) will go from $13.26 to $15.25 (15 percent). For each 100 cubic feet over 300 cubic feet, the rate will go from $4.59 to $5.25 (14.4 percent). For each 1,000 gallons over 2,250 gallons, the rate will go from $6.14 to $6.80 (10.7 percent). The sewer rent charge per month will also go from $6 to $7 (16.7 percent). Specchio estimated these changes will increase their annual budget by around $50,000.
This measure was approved in an effort to help balance the village's sewer budget, which had been rolled over from year to year since 2012. These numbers will take effect June 1.
In other business:
• The board discussed the 2016 Concerts in the Park series during the meeting. Concerts will be held every Tuesday evening in July and August at LaFayette Park. There was no opposition from the board in this matter. The board also discussed FiberArts in the Glen's Knit in Public Day June 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., which also saw no opposition.
• An intermunicipal agreement was approved between the villages of Watkins Glen and Montour Falls for additional police services in Montour Falls. This would provide Montour Falls with the services of one Watkins Glen police officer on busy weekend evenings. The agreement is for one year and will be paid for by Montour Falls.