Trustees debate $50 monthly water surcharge as village weighs financing for mains projects

Trustees at a Sleepy Hollow Village Board meeting engaged in an extended debate over how to pay for planned water-main projects, including a finance-committee recommendation to propose a $50-per-month surcharge on residents’ water bills.

The discussion opened when a finance committee member told the board the committee had "by consensus" proposed a $50 monthly surcharge to the board for infrastructure improvement; trustees and the village administrator discussed whether the board could act immediately or needed further legal and engineering clarifications first. President (speaker 3) acknowledged the committee's recommendation but said additional questions remained before the surcharge could be scheduled for a vote.

Why it matters: Trustees said the village faces pressing water-infrastructure needs (Hillcrest and Winmore were identified as frequent break locations) and that delaying revenue collection would push projects outward and increase costs. Finance committee members said the surcharge is a way to build reserves and avoid paying more interest, while other trustees raised concerns about affordability for fixed-income households and whether a referendum or placing the charge on property tax might be more appropriate.

What was proposed and debated: Finance-committee members described a two-column budget approach (a conservative worst-case and a best-case scenario) and noted the $50 figure reflects committee analysis and prior consensus. Trustees pressed for details on how long a surcharge would run (committee discussion earlier had mentioned a six-year plan, while another draft suggested an indefinite charge), whether the planned Hillcrest project (scheduled to break ground this year) could be combined with other work to reduce costs, and whether township/state assistance exists for residents on fixed incomes.

On process: Several trustees emphasized that the board could not vote on the measure without it appearing on an agenda and requested Attorney Schuster and staff (village administrator and engineering) to provide clarifying answers. President (speaker 3) said she had contacted the village attorney and engineering staff and would present the outstanding questions and answers before committing the item to an April agenda. Committee members urged a quick turnaround so the village could begin collections as soon as practical.

Key quotes:
"By consensus, propose a $50 per month surcharge on the water bill to the board of trustees for infrastructure improvement in bold," a finance committee member said, noting that the recommendation was recorded in finance minutes.
"We need to find out how we're going to pay for it," another trustee said, pressing that water, police/public safety and public works are top priorities.

What wasn’t decided: The board did not vote to impose the surcharge; members asked for written clarifications on legal authority, the proposed timeline (temporary vs. referendum), an affordability plan for low-income residents and whether other Hillcrest-area projects could be coordinated to reduce repeated construction impacts.

Next steps: Trustees instructed staff to get answers from the village attorney and engineering so the item can be placed on a future agenda; the finance committee's recommendation is in the minutes and will form the basis for the board’s next review.

Ending: The board left the proposal unresolved at the meeting and requested follow-up information before proceeding to a formal vote.