Village of Webster to increase sewer rate to $195

A presentation of the proposed 2021-2022 budget was held on April 8

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Webster, NY - The Village of Webster is planning to increase its sewer rate from $150 to $195 in its proposed budget for 2021-2022. The regular tax rate (per thousand) would bump up from $2.13 to $2.18.

On April 8, prior to the public hearing for the proposed budget, the village treasurer went over the most notable budget items―including the new tax and sewer rates.

The new sewer rate (per 60,000 gallons) is seeing a significant increase from $150 to $195. As highlighted by the village treasurer, estimated revenues come almost entirely from the sewer rate―with a minuscule bit coming from sewer fees and other miscellaneous revenues.

The base sewer rate per quarter would be $48.75.

According to the treasurer, almost 30% of the budget for the upcoming year is set aside for an old flush truck (under “Budget Appropriations” for sewer) that the village says it needs to replace.

Village Mayor Darrell Byerts pointed out that the general budget this year is lower than it was last year, “showing that we are sensitive to the ongoing issues of the pandemic and the revenue loss, in fact, that we’ve experienced.”

He added, “Hopefully now things will begin to pick up.”

Byerts said he hopes the increase in online shopping during the pandemic (through companies like Amazon) will not have a significant negative impact on small Webster businesses going forward.

The entirety of the April 8 Village Board Meeting and budget public hearing can be viewed on the Village of Webster Facebook page.

The Village Board of Trustees must adopt the final budget by May 1, 2021.