Water rates increase for multi-family homes in Village of Monroe

Single-family rates not affected, By Claudia Wysocki MONROE - Water rates for two-family and multi-family residences in the Village of Monroe are going up. Under the village’s new rate schedule, two-family and multi-family residences will now be charged the commercial rate for water consumption. They will be notified by certified mail of the impending increase, which will go into effect Dec. 1. The new rate will not only affect the water consumption but also the service charge customers pay on their bills. The service charge will increase to $36 from $10. One-family property owners who are classified as Code 210 on their tax bills will not be subject to the new rates. There is a diverse blend of properties within the village which includes one, two and multi-family residents, Trustee Ted Wright explained. “In order to ensure the ability to properly maintain and operate the water supply treatment and distribution system that serves all properties,” Wright said, “we periodically review and establish water rates for those properties with the village.” The village utilized the tax assessor’s records which found there were a number of residences who fell within the commercial rate category and were being billed the residential rate, Wright said. “This was unfair to all the residents,” he said. “Now it will be a fair and equitable distribution of the rates.” (A chart comparing the rates appears elsewhere on this page.) The new charges do not affect town water districts who already pay the commercial rate. In other business The village has been awarded a grant put through by former Congressman John Hall for a COPS Technology Program for cameras to be installed within the village. Wright said the cameras are for the community’s safety. The cameras are being placed within two areas of the village - outside Police Headquarters on Stage Road and a second one between the two ponds on Lake Street. The increase in population has prompted Trustee Frank Eppinger to suggest the village hire a second parking enforcement officer. The officer is responsible for issuing tickets for parking violations. Eppinger based his request on the success of the current enforcement officer. The request was turned over to the police chief for his recommendation. The problem for Mayor James Purcell, however, was a financial one. “There isn’t any money in the budget, “ he said. The village is replacing the Department of Public Works facilities located on Maple Avenue. The replacements will include a Self Supporting Dome Salt Storage Shed at a cost of $300 00 to replace the present 25-year-old structure; a steel and concrete DPW garage, at $1,200,000; and an office structure at $200,000. The estimated maximum cost of the project is $1,700,000 which will be financed through the issuance of $1,700,000 in serial bonds and property taxes. The former Weepin Willoby’s Restaurant on Route 17M has been given a waiver of the $50 building permit fee based on the contractor’s good faith. According to village building inspector, the first floor of the structure, roof shingles, windows and siding, are expected to be reconstructed. The village has given notice to the property owner Else Lenza if work does not commence, the structure will be considered a blight and action will be taken. The village has been trying for years to have the owner either fix the building up or tear it down.

Water rate comparisons for Village of Monroe
One-family residence
Price Usage in gallons
$3 8 For the first 5,000 gallons
$3.65 5,001 to 30,000 gallons
$4.65 Over 30,000 gallons
Two-family and multi-family residence
Price Usage in Gallons
$3.6 First 30,000 gallons
$4.65 Over 30,000 gallons
Source: Village of Monroe