Community
Future users being asked to pay for past sewer shortfalls
Sep 22, 2009 | 179 views | 1 
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As you are aware, 185 homeowners in the Francis Farms Phase II Sewer Project signed a petition which addressed their concerns regarding what they determined to be an excessively high projected assessment rate of $82 a foot vs. the $52 assessment in Francis Farms Phase I. It is my understanding that the Mayor has responded to each of the signers of that petition. He acknowledged that their concerns were legitimate regarding mandatory tie-ins and that the Sewer Authority was working to hopefully lower the assessment rate. Only time will tell how successful these efforts will be.
In his acknowledgement, the Mayor did make a comment that he thought that some residents might be confused about assessment revenues, that residents seem to believe that assessments paid are being used to pay for operations of the sewer department. He stated, “It must be stressed that the assessment rate is based on the cost of construction, not as a way for the WSA to recoup financial losses due to past mismanagement of the WSA that has been alleged by several individuals”.
Information provided to me by the Sewer Authority indicates that the Mayor is correct. However, the data also shows that assessment revenues in recently completed projects will NOT cover construction costs. In fact, construction costs in projects completed in the 2005 through 2009 time frame will exceed assessment revenues by $9.2 million. Francis Phase I with an assessment rate of $52 a foot has a projected shortfall of $1.5 million.
Like all issues, whether on the Federal, State or Local level, someone has to make up for the shortfall. In the case of the Sewer Authority, at this time, it will fall on the users of the system. Is this equitable? Should those that tie-in to the sewer system pay for plant operations, their own construction costs, AND the construction costs of other projects?
You ask why sewer usage rates are exploding? Lack of adequate revenues has always been the excuse. A discussion of the reasons why these revenues are needed, such as the shortfall in assessment revenues on completed projects, may allow us to better address financial problems. As for past mismanagement, you decide.
Roy Dempsey
Warwick
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« Karl H wrote on Wednesday, Sep 23 at 10:25 AM »
I’ve always admired the elderly who will still jump in and help with a course. That being said I think as sweet as the notation is for Mr Dempsey to have such passion for this particular issue, it may be time for him to wrap up his 15 minutes of attention. I know that his input and drive would be a wonderful addition for his fellow senior citizens at the centers. I certainly mean no disrespect but there are many of us that welcome the sewers being put in the ground and have no issues. I do understand when you are elderly and bored you need something to get the blood pumping but my God use it for something worth while.
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