Sweden considers leasing water system to MCWA

Following more than five years of studies and information gathering, members of the Sweden Town Board are considering leasing its water system to the Monroe County Water Authority (MCWA).

Councilman Rob Carges has chaired a subcommittee charged with researching the feasibility of the 40-year lease with the MCWA. "In 1997 when we started getting our water from MCWA they asked us to reduce our water rate and we did," Carges said. "Because of the relationship with MCWA our customers saw a decrease in rates."

Sweden has continually lost money by operating its own water system, Carges said.

If the town opts to sign the lease with the organization, they will reimburse Sweden for the Holley water line, reimburse the town for any meters; pay the difference between plastic and steel pipes in the event of replacement; the MCWA will contribute $100,000 toward 8-inch pipe and valve replacement in the current system; and they will take dedication of the new water line in the park.

"Customers pay $2.95 per thousand right now," Carges said. "If we go with the water authority the rate will be $2.16 per thousand… that’s an approximate savings of $50-60 per year per household."

John Stanwix, executive director of the water authority, said of the 19 towns in Monroe County, only three towns are not participating in the 40-year leases with MCWA. "Our leases are the same for everyone, the prices are the same whether you are a large or a small municipality."

Rates are less with the MCWA because if there is a problem, or a water district is being installed, the fees are spread over a larger base of customers, he said.

Carges told residents that any projects that are in the works will not be affected by an alliance with the water authority.

Sweden Supervisor Nat. O. "Buddy" Lester III said the town does not give up local control of projects.

Most of the residents who spoke voiced concerns on poor water quality and their need to be hooked into a water district. Lester explained that the approval of water districts would still go through the same channels and the signing of a contract with MCWA would not change that procedure. Lester stressed to residents that the signing of a lease with the water authority will not automatically give them water.

Clarkson Supervisor Paul Kimball said his town has been with the water authority for the past six years and he said it was the best thing the town could have done for its residents. "We’re too small to be in the water business," he said. "The water authority attends to any water line breaks and resident concerns."

Redman Road resident George Lloyd said he hopes the lease will be a blessing to residents. "I’m not opposed to it."

Lester said a decision would be made by the board before the end of March, and it would most likely occur at the board’s second meeting in March.