Serving Port Washington, Manorhaven, Flower Hill, Baxter Estates, Port Washington North and Sands Point
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Friday, January 18, 2019
Vol. 4, No. 3
Port WashingtonTimes GUIDE TO SCARAMUCCI ON SUOZZI APPOINTED WINTERTIME CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER TO HOUSE COMMITTEE PAGES 37-60
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Port Washington Water District ups 2019 rates
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T E E N A D V O C AT E
Additional revenue needed to remain within 2 percent property tax cap BY J E S S I C A PA R K S Customers of the Port Washington Water District will see an average increase in their water bill of about $1.14 per month that took effect Jan. 1, according to the district. The rate adjustment will allow the district to remain within the 2 percent tax cap as well as aid in paying for water infrastructure projects of the past, future and present, according to a district news release. According to the water district, the average resident paid $289 per year for water in 2018. The average monthly bill was approximately $24. Port Washington Water District Commissioner Mindy Germain said in a news release that despite the “significant amount of capital investments and improvements to our supply and distribution system,” the water district has managed to remain within
the 2 percent tax cap set for 2019 but “water rates will need to be adjusted to provide an additional $189,630 in projected revenue to avoid piercing the cap.” The district’s board chairman, David Brackett, said the water district tries to provide the people of Port Washington with the “highest quality of water at the lowest possible cost” despite the climbing costs “as we are met with increased operational challenges and more stringent testing parameters.” The Port Washington Water District’s expense budget for 2019 is $6,733,992. According to the release, the rate adjustment was calculated from a review of the 2018 water rate structure and property taxes with respect to the projected fiscal needs of the 2019 budget to “determine the amount of revenue needed to make ends meet.” Peter Meyer, a water district commissioner, said in a statement: “We are always trying to cut costs Continued on Page 83
PHOTO COURTESY OF LEGISLATOR DELIA DERIGGI-WHITTON’S OFFICE
Hannah Roth, a senior at Schreiber High School, addressed the Nassau County Legislature in November to advocate for the establishment of a plastic bag fee in the county. See story on page 2.
Vote on Manhasset Isle variance postponed BY J ES S I C A PA R K S Manorhaven residents filled the auditorium of the Port Washington Senior Center on Tuesday night to speak
out about a proposed project in Manhasset Isle, but the floor was never opened for public comment. That set off a commotion, with people shouting from their seats and approaching the
podium to try to address the Board of Zoning Appeals. Members of the board said they approved a motion to close public comments at December’s meeting. Continued on Page 82
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