Schoharie Delves into Water Billing Problems

Juried Thanked

Resident Diana Jackson talks about water billing problems at the May 14 Village of Schoharie board meeting.

By Chris English

SCHOHARIE — Discussion of water billing problems and how to resolve them dominated the first hour of the Schoharie Village board's Tuesday, May 14 meeting.

Several residents showed up to complain about problems stemming from old meters for the village water system that can't be read remotely, unlike new meters that the village is in the process of installing.

Among the problems listed in sheets handed out by one of the residents, Diana Jackson, were that residents were never notified and informed about the meter issues at the onset of the problem and that some residents are being expected to pay two years worth of usage in one year, a situation that creates a financial burden on some of them.

"This water thing has been an issue," said Mayor Colleen Henry. "When I started in January, I said I wanted this situation solidified. We still have a supply issue."

Village officials said supply issues, some going back to the pandemic, are delaying the delivery and installation of many of the new meters that are manufactured in Israel. Village Clerk Leslie Price said about 100 of the village's 380 water customers are still waiting on their new meters.

"The new meters definitely will be better, definitely more accurate," she said.

The main step taken at the meeting was a determination that all residents having problems with their water bills will meet with Price and one board member to try and arrive at the fairest resolution possible in each case.

"As long as you're hearing us," one of the residents said. "As long as we don't walk out of here tonight and it's just forgotten."

Henry pledged that it won't be forgotten and also to be as transparent as possible with residents on all issues.

"I've been out there where you are sitting and had some of the same complaints," she said. "Knowledge is power and I think everyone should be knowledgeable. We are human. We do make mistakes. I apologize."

In other news from the May 14 meeting, a public hearing for the Old Stone Fort project will be held by the planning board at 7 p.m., May 29 at Village Hall, 300 Main Street. Up for discussion is an application for an expansion of the museum to include storage space, artifact area and gift shop, Henry said.

"It will be beautiful," she added. The expansion is scheduled to be funded with a donation from former Schoharie County resident Nick Juried, Henry said.

The board is trying something new for its meetings. One June 11, it will hold the employee monthly meeting starting at 6 p.m., followed immediately by the regular meeting. The employee meeting is also open to the general public, explained Henry, who added officials want to see how the new arrangement works before deciding on whether to make it permanent.

Open Houses for the Comprehensive Planning Board will be held 3 to 8 p.m. May 23 at Village Hall, 300 Main Street; and also 3 to 6 p.m. on May 30 at the Methodist Hall, 196 Main Street, Central Bridge.