Yorktown to base sewer fees on water use

Yorktown residents will soon be billed for sewer operation and maintenance costs based on the amount of water they use rather than a flat rate.

In a 4-1 vote on May 19, with Councilman Sergio Esposito opposed, the Town Board approved amendments to the Sewer Rent Law that will change how revenue is collected for operation and maintenance expenses tied to the Hallocks Mill and Peekskill sewer systems, which serve about 8,200 properties.

Under the new system, charges will be based solely on water consumption, with a surcharge per 1,000 gallons used. The change replaces the current system, which uses different collection methods across the town’s 13 sewer districts. The financial impact will vary depending on the sewer district and the amount of water a property owner uses.

Esposito said there was not enough information on how many property owners would benefit or pay more under the changes. Councilman Patrick Murphy and Councilwoman Susan Siegel said the revisions would create a fairer system by taxing property owners uniformly.

A public hearing will be held to establish the surcharge rate and amend the town’s master fee schedule, according to Supervisor Ed Lachterman. Lachterman said the town is continuing its research to avoid what he called overcharging residents.