Brockport's water board draws fire

Now that budget talks are gearing up, residents and some board members in Brockport are looking for ways to tighten the belt and save taxpayer dollars. One issue that has come up is the village's water commission.

"The water board goes back many years and when it was started it was necessary," Trustee Mort Wexler said. "Years ago when we had control of the water treatment plant down at the lake, the water board was needed."

Wexler said that with the sale of the plant to Monroe County Water Authority, there's no need for the board. "I don't want to say we need to do away with the entire board because there is a lot of expertise on that board," Wexler said. "We need one person to be an advisor to the village board and make recommendations that the village board could act on. The commission performs a service but I don't feel there's a need for five people to be working on that board."

Because of the way the water commission is structured, it has the authority to raise water rates or make whatever purchases it wants, Wexler said.

Village Trustee James Whipple, who also serves on the water commission, said the commission and its inherent expenses are necessary.

"Water is a revenue stream for the village," he said. "With that comes expenses, planning for capital improvements and a very important function of the commission is monitoring problems and helping to identify solutions."

Each member of the commission receives a $2,332 stipend with the chair receiving $2,421. It has been reported that the monthly meetings of the water commission last, on average, one hour.

Wexler said Brockport is the only village in Monroe County that has a water commission.

"It's just not a service to the taxpayers for five people to work on this commission when we could have one person who informs the village trustees and makes recommendations that we could act on," Wexler said. "The duties of the commission should go back into the hands of elected village officials and if that means we have to have another meeting a month then so be it. When you're elected, there are obligations you take on for the residents."

David Wagenhauser, a long time village resident, said the water board needs to be disbanded.

"Eliminating the water board is not a reflection on the job that's been done," he said. "It's budget time and taking this step, and saving the money, would send a message that the village board is willing to take on additional responsibilities in order to hold down expenses."

Whipple said there is a lot more activity on the water board than some people might imagine.

"Bottom line, it performs an important function in the village," Whipple said. "The $11,000 plus that is spent in administration fees for the water commission is well worth the price for the experience and leadership that the water board provides."

Residents have questioned why Department of Public Works Supervisor Brad Upson couldn't take on the responsibilities of the water commission. Whipple said Upson has too much on his plate with overseeing his department.

"The water commission needs to have people on it who are already familiar with the business to make the decisions," Whipple said. "And when you are talking about planning and problem solving - five heads are better than one and for the minimal costs involved and the small stipends paid, it's a great deal for the community."

Mayor Josephine Matela said that the water commission is running a business and keeping the board separate ensures that politics is kept out of it.

"The water commission should be run like any corporation where you have a board of directors that answers to the board of trustees," she said. "As long as the water board makes money for the village, is managed properly and in the absence of any other entity to oversee the operation, we need to continue it."

Matela said the stipend the water commissioners are paid in proportion to their budget is a very small part of the village's overall budget.

"If the village trustees want to do away with the water board, reduce the stipends or make it a voluntary board, that's something they will have to speak to," she said.