By Mary A. Crisafulli
ROXBURY - During public comment, a Roxbury resident asked elected officials to seek justification for increased Margaretville Telephone Company (MTC) and NYSEG (New York State Electric and Gas) rates. She said that in addition to receiving extravagant electric bills, NYSEG has added a $10 supplemental fee. While the additional fees were announced to customers before becoming effective, she said there was no explanation.
"I don't see that MTC deserves it," she said, asking if this is permitted through the town contract.
Another individual said their electric bill has nearly doubled over the last few months.
Supervisor Allen Hinkley said the town has no authority over NYSEG and MTC rates. However, he explained that the NYSEG increase is due to supply. NYSEG only delivers energy to users, he said. "My understanding is the reason rates have increased is because NYSEG has had to raise rates to be able to supply electricity to New York City," Hinkley explained. One of the electrical plants used for the City recently shut down and with increased electrical use from the State's low emissions goals, Hinkley said the electricity has to come from somewhere. Any situation like this "is definitely going to come back to us," he noted, "It’s getting bad and it's going to get a lot worse." Much of the current infrastructure is not designed to support the State's Climate Act goals of reduced emissions, he explained, and they will have to update and expand infrastructure to support it.
"We understand there's a lot of frustration with customer's billing, especially when it comes to this winter. Prices have gone up for things like supply," NYSEG Communications Manager Mike Baggerman said to WGRZ reporters. He adds that NYSEG delivery rates have remained the same, but supply is something they do not control.
MTC President & CEO Glen Faulkner said adjustments take effect April 1. "Most of these increases impact legacy cable television services where the wholesale cost of programming and broadcast network channels continues to see annual increases in rates," he said. Some of those annual growths are over 20 percent, Faulkner explained. Roughly 60% of customers will be affected by the change. A letter was sent out to all customers clarifying the increases, he said.
The town board recently increased the transfer station tag price to $25 for residential and $250 for commercial. Hinkley explained the increased charge was to bring the fees in line with going rates and uplift the station's budget. One major issue is disposal of C&D (construction debris). Overages for C&D disposal cost roughly $80,000 annually, he explained. The town has already collected over $7,000 from rate increases. Councilmembers are exploring adjustments to the C&D fee schedule.
The recent hiring of a full-time transfer station attendant to enforce regulations has been beneficial, added Councilmember Kenneth Davie.
In another announcement, a large water main break across from the Civic Center almost left Grand Gorge without water. Denver Sewer District Operator Eli Martin said the area would have been without water by 2 p.m. if it had not been for the swift repair by Hubbell. "We were lucky they came within the hour," he reported.
In other business
Scott Haskin was appointed as the deputy highway superintendent.
Mark Project Director Peg Elsworth expects the state to announce DRI (downtown revitalization initiative) grant projects in the next two weeks.
The council is expected to review proposed additional language for building permit applications. The new language will keep the town up to date on recently adjusted New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) protected waterway regulations. DEC expanded the definition of wetlands of unusual importance among other adjustments that took effect in January. A presentation on the adjustments will be posted on the town website at roxburyny.com.
The Catskill Watershed Corporation was permitted to pursue funding for an updated appraisal of the Grand Gorge wastewater treatment plant.
A vacancy remains on the Planning Board.
The town contracted with John Buback for emergency water and sewer repairs.
Lorenzo Dantoni was hired as a highway department heavy equipment operator with a salary determined by the Union contract.
The town clerk is expected to take over scheduling for the Civic Center rentals.
An audit review is scheduled for May 12 at 5:30 p.m.
The next regular meeting for the Roxbury Town Board is scheduled Monday, April 14 at 6 p.m.
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