Press release:
On Sunday May 3rd, the New York Conference of Mayor’s (NYCOM) recognized the City of Batavia with a Local Government Achievement Award for its Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Renewal and Rate Plan that was developed and adopted by City Council this past March. Batavia was one of four cities and three villages within New York State to receive awards from NYCOM that demonstrate a significant and innovative project that has improved the quality of life within a community or demonstrates shared services and increasing government efficiency.
Cities and villages across New York are confronted by assets that are deteriorating due to environmental conditions and normal wear and tear. Without proper maintenance and ongoing capital reinvestment, increased failure rates and declining levels of service (e.g., wastewater backups, water service interruptions) will inevitably result. Many communities, particularly in Western and Central New York, have also seen a considerable reduction in water consumption during recent years. Unfortunately, this trend results in diminished revenues and puts pressure on water and wastewater rates.
The City of Batavia developed an Infrastructure Renewal and Rate Plan that identifies the City’s water and wastewater capital needs and associated revenue requirements going forward. Moreover, the Plan responsibly addresses the capital reinvestment requirements of both systems in a manageable and affordable manner.
“Having NYCOM recognize Batavia for our proactive capital planning is an honor and a privilege. We have worked hard to ensure we provide quality services to our residents through cost effective means,” said Brooks Hawley, City Council president. “Having our peers from across the State recognize us for our effort is reassuring that what we are doing in Batavia is right.”
The City Council adopted the proposed Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Renewal and Rate Plan with this year’s budget. The Plan calls for $22 million of capital improvements to the City’s water and wastewater plants and systems while projecting an additional per-user cost of $1 a month.
