The town of Glenville and village of Scotia are no longer in discussions for a joint sewer plant. The municipalities had hoped to save money for taxpayers by creating a joint sewer system that would alleviate the growing costs of Schenectady’s services.
Delaware Engineering was hired to evaluate the options for building a sewage facility. The town and village paid $20,000 for the study of sewer options, which resulted in the conclusion that it would not be cost-effective for the municipalities to build their own system.
According to Scotia trustee Armon Benny, even with the costs projected to upgrade Schenectady’s system, building their own sewers would not be worth taxpayer’s money.
The joint sewer plant study for a new plant serving Scotia and Glenville has provided the boards of the village and the town with the responsible information that affirms both communities should continue to work with the City of Schenectady to upgrade and operate the existing facility, said Benny.
Moving forward, Glenville and Scotia will now work with Schenectady to discuss the cost of upgrading the city’s facility as ordered by the state Department of Health. According to Anthony Germano, the Glenville town administrator, the city’s plant needs to reduce the amount of storm water that is deposited into the sewer system. That water is eventually released into the Mohawk River, something Germano said the upgrades would correct.
`The city facility will continue to improve and be able to handle our needs adequately,` said Germano.
Benny said a negotiating team has been established to work out the contract. He said the city is aware that Scotia has financial concerns.
`Our rates will go up, as all other costs have gone up. The city has been open-minded to our financial concerns, as we have been concerned about the upgrades needed to the plant. Shortly, I hope a long-term deal will be completed. This is the best possible solution and is intermunicipal cooperation and sharing of services at its best,` said Benny.“
