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MAMRONECK, N.Y. The water rates for Town of Mamaroneck residents will increase, per approval from the town board on Monday night.
"The increase is to cover the expenses of delivering water to the town," said Town Administrator Stephen Altiere in a phone interview Tuesday.
The board voted unanimously to approve a 15 percent increase, which is 2 percent higher than last years increase, and will go into effect this month. The increase will cover New York Citys raised water purchasing cost of 9.8 percent and the Westchester Joint Water Works (WJWW) operating cost increase of 12.5 percent.
While the WJWW suggested a 12 percent increase for the town, it was increased to 15 percent after taking in the UV filtration plant and other capital projects into consideration. According to town documents, the additional 3 percent will allot the town extra revenue of $105,000 to spend on small projects as well as provide a cushion to avoid levying a tax in the town water district.
"When we put everything together, the 15 percent increase was the ideal number to cover the expenses," said Altiere.
Over the last 12 years, the town averages an 8.1 percent water rate increase. The highest increase during that time frame was 2009, when the rate increased 18 percent.
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