By Hank Russell
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and members of the Town Board joined with New York State Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz (R-Hicksville) to call on state regulators to reject the latest proposal from Liberty New York Water, which could increase rates by over 30% for some ratepayers.
On May 29, the water company announced that it submitted a request to the state Public Service Commission (PSC) to increase rates for certain regions: a hike of $27.77 for Lynbrook residents, $26.89 for those living in Sea Cliff and $21.20 for those in Merrick. According to Liberty, the increase is necessary to cover the costs of operations and infrastructure investments. These include iron removal and PFAS/PFOA treatments, replacing lead service lines and water mains.
The company’s recent filings with the PSC, which would have to approve any rate increases, show a rise in rates ranging from 20% to over 30% for Oyster Bay Town ratepayers who receive Liberty Service, according to Saladino and Blumencranz. Areas receiving such service include parts of Massapequa, Glen Head, Sea Cliff and Glenwood Landing.
“We are vehemently opposed to any rate hike for customers of Liberty Utilities, who have already been overburdened and overcharged for this service for far too long,” said Saladino. “Residents are already overwhelmed by increases in the cost of living for daily necessities like groceries, housing and energy costs, and should not be further burdened by the inequity caused by a private, for-profit water supplier.”
“Long Island families are feeling the pressure from every angle due to soaring costs and now Liberty Utilities, who already has among the highest charges for water service in the nation, wants to add to that burden,” Blumencranz added. “The proposed rate hikes are not only excessive but also insensitive to the financial struggles our residents are facing. We stand firmly in opposition of this proposal and urge the Public Service Commission to reject all proposed rate hikes.”
The most recent proposal also includes a request for an additional surcharge that would further increase consumer bills. Town officials emphasized that enough stress is being placed on families who are shouldering significant financial burdens while navigating ongoing economic instability and affordability challenges.
Liberty has pointed out that it opposes the Special Franchise Tax (SFT). According to the company, the SFT makes up 25% of a consumer’s water bill, yet they receive “zero benefit” from the revenues collected by the tax. Revenues from the SFT are split up with 33 cents of each dollar collected going to production and operating costs, 35 cents to system improvements (such as upgrades), three cents towards federal, state and local taxes and 29 cents for property taxes.
While Saladino believes improvements need to be made to the drinking water infrastructure, Liberty cannot do so “at the literal expense of our already hardworking residents,” adding, “Safe, clean and affordable drinking water should not be a luxury. It should be a dependable resource within the reach of all when you live in the most modern and advanced nation in the world. We urge the Public Service Commission to immediately deny any and reject all rate hikes requested by Liberty Utilities.”
The proposed rate increases will undergo review and require approval from the New York State Public Service Commission. Residents will have opportunities to provide feedback and engage in public hearings as the matter progresses.
Long Island Life & Politics reached out to Liberty Water. They referred the outlet to its website.