Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-May 27, 2009 Issue

Mahwah May 27, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 7 Proposed ordinance would increase water rates by Frank J. McMahon The Mahwah Council has introduced an ordinance that would, if adopted on May 28, raise the water rates paid by all township residents and commercial property owners. According to information provided by the council’s water rates advisory panel, consisting of Councilmen John Roth, Robert Hermansen, and Allan Kidd, the recommended modification to the water rate structure would increase the water rate for the average user who uses 5,000 cubic feet, or 37,405 gallons of water per quarter, by $17.92 per month, to $549.60 per year, which represents an increase of $215 or 62.3 percent a year. The minimum user of less than 1,000 cubic feet of water per quarter, however, would pay an increase of $1.70 per month to $88.80 per year, which represents an increase of $20.40 or 29.8 percent a year. The panel pointed out that water is presently being sold by the township owned water department at a significant loss to the municipality, and the existing rate structure is not in accord with the need for conservation because it provides a financial incentive for greater use. According to the panel, the objective of the new rate structure is to operate a self-sustaining water utility with rates and fees aligned to offset operating, capital, debt, and reserve requirements. Roth emphasized that water rates had not been adjusted in 12 years, and the panel was handed the financial equivalent of “the Titanic that had hit an iceberg of neglect.” He said the charge of the panel was to “float the boat” despite the fact that current projected profit and loss statement indicated the water dept would lose $6.7 million over the next three years. “Regrettably, a painful course correction was necessary, but one that reflected a goal of increased conservation and the protection, to the degree possible, of our low volume users that includes seniors and the economically disadvantaged. The guiding principle was: the more one uses, the more one pays.” Roth added, “We found a solution, albeit not a perfect one, but one that would reduce the water department’s projected operating deficit from $6.7 million over three years to $1.5 million over the same time frame which is a more manageable situation given current reserves. The (continued on page 16) Township Police Department Report On May 14, a 23-year-old Manchester man was arrested on Ramapo Valley Road for driving while intoxicated after an officer stopped the man for swerving. The officer interviewed the man and had him perform field sobriety tests. After the tests, the officer arrested the man for DWI. He was released to a friend with a pending court appearance required in Mahwah. Two 26-year-old Monticello, NY women were arrested May 15 on Route 17 South. They were charged with possession of marijuana and possession of Oxycodone after the officer stopped the driver for littering and failing to signal a lane change. The officer interviewed the women and obtained consent to search the vehicle. The officer located the drugs and the women were arrested. They were released with a future court appearance required in Mahwah. Also on May 15, a 22-year-old Ramsey man was arrested on Airmont Avenue for driving while intoxicated after an officer was called to investigate a motor vehicle accident. The officer located parts of the vehicle involved, including a license plate. After determining the owner’s address the officer responded to the residence and located the driver. The man was intoxicated and admitted operation. He was arrested for DWI, charged, and later released to a friend with a future court appearance date in Mahwah. On May 20, five juveniles were arrested after officers were called to investigate damage to and thefts at a Mahwah school building. The damage was done during a sporting event at the school on the weekend and reported the following Monday. After an investigation and interviews, the juveniles were identified and arrested. They will have to appear before a Juvenile Court judge in Hackensack on the charges. �� Women’s Skechers �� G.R. 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