A rise in the cost of water is about to put a damper on the finances of Village of East Williston residents.
Village of East Williston Mayor David Tanner announced at Monday’s board of trustees meeting that the cost of water for residents would increase 28 percent – from the $2.99 per 1,000 gallons to $3.83.
Tanner said the reason in the increase in the cost of water that East Williston gets from neighboring Williston Park is “financial in nature.”
“We are also seeking alternative sources of water from the area,” Tanner said.
The increase is likely to go into effect on June 1.
Tanner said the village is engaged in ongoing negotiations about the water, but didn’t say what alternative sources the village board is considering.
Tanner said that, based on studies already conducted a well would be one viable alternative to buying water from Williston Park.
But trustee Michael Braito said the cost of the village digging its own well would be considerable.
“Thirty years ago it was easier to put a well in than it is today,” Braito said.
Residents who attended the meeting sounded off on the price increase.
“I object to the increase of the excess over 100,000 gallons,” said resident Jim Sandquist, who called it “unfair.”
Recounting the history of the water agreement between East Williston and Williston Park officials said the mayors from the respective villages came to an understanding that East Williston would stay with Williston Park as a customer of water.
“Rest assured this is a daily issue with the board,” said Braito.
In other developments:
• Board members said they are seeking a voluntary auxiliary night watch to help look out for suspicious, illegal activities or both.
• Board members said they would again address the issue of commercial airplanes flying below FAA-mandated altitudes, and creating excessive noise on their flight paths in JFK Airport.
