Niskayuna, NY – In response to resident concerns regarding water charges, Assemblymember Phil Steck and the Town of Niskayuna Supervisor Erin Cassady-Dorion have partnered to develop a comprehensive approach to improve water billing structures and assist with infrastructure needs in the town. The initiative seeks to address the current system’s limitations and to offer solutions that benefit all residents.

The Town of Niskayuna has acknowledged challenges with the current water charge model and is taking several steps to address these issues:

1. External Review of Water Charge Calculations: The Town is seeking an independent firm to review the water charge model established by the former Town Comptroller to ensure its accuracy and fairness. Although the State Comptroller’s Office has not shown interest in reviewing the calculations, the Town is committed to verifying the model to better serve its residents.
2. Funding for Infrastructure Improvements: Some of the funds from the water charges are designated for infrastructure improvements to address aging water treatment systems, an issue common to many municipalities. Assemblymember Steck has allocated $500,000 in state funds from the 2024 budget to support these vital infrastructure upgrades, with the potential for additional funding in the future.
3. Improved Payment Flexibility: In response to resident requests for more flexible payment options, the Town has been evaluating software vendors capable of enabling installment payment plans. Implementing this new system would require an investment of approximately $30,000 annually, a cost that the Town is currently reviewing during its budget deliberations and as part of its commitment to residents.
4. Assistance for Residents with High Bills Due to Leaks: For homeowners facing unexpectedly high bills due to leaks, the Town may consider adjusting charges or offering payment terms on a case-by-case basis.

   For example, in the Town of Colonie, a resident recently received a $2,500 bill due to excess water usage caused by a failed sump system, which inadvertently flushed large volumes of water into the town's sewer system. The Town declined to offer relief despite the homeowner’s circumstances. Assemblymember Phil Steck intervened by sending a letter to the Town, noting there is a precedent for offering relief in such situations. However, the decision on how to handle these cases ultimately rests with the Town.

5. Separate Meters for Lawn Sprinkler Systems: Homeowners with lawn sprinkler systems now have the option to request a separate water meter for outdoor usage, which would reduce their water and sewer charges by separating indoor and outdoor water use.

Assemblymember Phil Steck expressed his commitment to supporting these efforts: “I am very pleased to work with Supervisor Erin Cassady-Dorion and the Town of Niskayuna to help alleviate some of the burdens that the current water charge system has placed on residents. The steps the Town is taking will lead to fairer and different solutions to ensure our community’s infrastructure continues to serve us well into the future.”

Town Supervisor Erin Cassady-Dorion added, “We are actively listening to our residents and collaborating with Assemblymember Steck to address these important concerns. Together, we are working to create sustainable, practical solutions that will benefit all members of the Niskayuna community.”