Sewer district mergers save taxpayers money
JOEL GIAMBRA Erie County Executive
As we begin a new year, I am pleased to announce the merger of several municipal sewer districts with Erie County. Recently, I stood with officials from the towns of Aurora, Hamburg, Lancaster and North Collins and the Village of Orchard Park as we made the official announcement.

The Village of East Aurora and Town of Aurora have each agreed to merge with Erie County. Erie County Sewer District No. 8 has been created to include these communities. Most ratepayers in Sewer District No. 8 will experience savings in excess of $100 per year as a result of the merger. These communities will experience a cumulative annual savings of approximately $300,000 as a result of the merger. Savings will grow over time as capital improvements are made within the system.

The Town of Hamburg's sewer districts that are near Blasdell will be the responsibility of County Sewer District No. 3. Hamburg residents will realize an annual cumulative savings of approximately $95,000 once the merger occurs. The typical resident will save approximately $90 per year.

The remaining town sewer districts in the Town of Lancaster will become the responsibility of County Sewer District No. 4. Lancaster residents will realize savings when future capital improvements are spread throughout the entire County District, as opposed to the costs being borne solely by the Town Districts. Annual cumulative savings will approach $100,000 once all of the necessary capital improvements are completed. The typical ratepayer will save in excess of $100 annually.

The Village of North Collins has agreed to transfer ownership of its sewer assets to County Sewer District No. 2. Village residents will also save substantially when capital improvements are made within their system and the costs are assumed by the entire County District. Residents will save $40,000 annually when the anticipated capital improvements are performed by County Sewer District No. 2. Residents will save approximately $10 annually.

The Village of Orchard Park has agreed to transfer ownership of its sewer assets to County Sewer District No. 3. Immediately after the merger, most residents will save annually for sewer service. As with the other communities, significant savings will occur over time as capital improvements are made within the system. The typical resident in the Village will save approximately $100 annually.

Under each arrangement, the County Sewer Districts will be responsible for operating, maintaining and making capital improvements for the sewer infrastructure within these communities. The County's Division of Sewerage Management will continue to investigate other potential mergers of service to attempt to eliminate duplication and lessen the tax burden on our residents.