Residents complain about receiving South Racquette water bills before hookups; engineers explain charges

At the Massena Town Board meeting on July 15, several residents told the board they received a bi-monthly bill for the South Racquette Water District even though their water service had not yet been connected.

Anthony Young and Jacob Yousey of engineering firm Barton & Loguidice told the board the recent bill the town mailed to residents consisted of two parts: a Capital Debt charge of $134.25 and a Maintenance Fee of $8.00. "The Capital Debt is the fee residents are paying to cover the cost of the line being put in and the maintenance fee covers any future costs to repair mains/valves/hydrants/ and meters," the engineers said, explaining the composition of the charge.

Residents asked when hookups would occur, why certain paperwork and flyers were not received, and on what dates related documents had appeared in local publications. Some speakers said they still want the new service; others said they do not. The engineers acknowledged those differing preferences and fielded questions about surveys and timelines but did not announce specific hookup dates at the meeting.

Board members did not vote on the district at the session; instead, the item was presented and residents were given an opportunity to ask questions. The board later approved budget transfers and a cash reimbursement tied to invoice payments for Barton & Loguidice, indicating the town reimbursed project-related invoices, including one noted in the warrant and transfers.

The town also noted that General Fund replenishment tied to the South Racquette Water District depends on grant reimbursements: a transfer of $1,483,565 from NYCLASS MMH Grant Funds to the General Fund was recorded to temporarily replenish the General Fund and will be repaid when grant funds for the South Racquette Water District are received.