WHITE LAKE — The Bethel Town Board approved separate 4% rate increases for the Kauneonga Lake sewer districts and Smallwood Water District on October 28, citing rising operating costs and infrastructure needs.

The increases, adopted following separate public hearings, will take effect in 2027.

Kauneonga Lake rates

Customers in the Kauneonga Lake Consolidated Sewer District will pay $549.76 per unit annually for year-round service and $450.48 for seasonal service.

In the Kauneonga Lake Route 17B Sewer District Extension, year-round customers will pay $640.94 annually, while seasonal customers will pay $541.64.

Supervisor Daniel Sturm attributed the sewer increases to higher costs for fuel, electricity, insurance, parts and labor. He noted that the district had maintained unchanged rates in several previous years, including 2023, 2024 and 2025.

During the public hearing, resident Judith Maidenbaum questioned the town’s practice of charging sewer customers by dwelling unit, regardless of occupancy.

Maidenbaum, who said she owns seven single-occupancy units, argued that residents living alone should not pay the same amount as households with several occupants.

“I think this code is ridiculous,” she said.

Sturm explained that the town’s sewer code establishes charges by dwelling unit rather than actual consumption. Without individual meters, he said, the town cannot accurately measure each property’s usage.

Maidenbaum suggested basing rates on the number of occupants, but Councilman William Crumley chimed in questioning how the town could monitor changes in household size.

Resident Jonathan Hyman of Smallwood suggested creating a separate billing category for efficiency apartments or other small units.

Sturm said the town board could consider revisiting the code. The board subsequently approved the new sewer rates unanimously.

Smallwood water rates

The board separately approved a 4% increase for customers of the Smallwood Water District, which the town recently acquired from private ownership.

The annual residential dwelling rate will rise to $584.15 in 2027. Properties with one hose connection will pay $778.88, while those with two will pay $973.60.

Other charges include $194.71 for a hose-only connection, $389.43 for a residential swimming pool and $52 for tap restoration.

Sturm cited higher operating expenses, equipment purchases and startup costs associated with the town’s first year managing the water system.

He characterized the municipal operation as successful and said he expected the increase to stabilize rates for a period, barring unforeseen expenses.

Smallwood Civic Association President Bill Moss raised questions about the system’s infrastructure and long-term financial planning.

Citing a 2025 engineering report, Moss requested updates on aging pump houses, replacement well pumps, water main improvements and emergency power availability.

He also questioned the frequency and availability of water-quality testing results.

Sturm said the town had replaced numerous sections of piping and was conducting water testing under the supervision of a licensed operator, with results submitted to the Department of Health.

He did not provide an exact percentage of water mains replaced or specify how frequently testing occurs, but said he was unaware of water-quality problems during the town’s operation.

Later in the meeting, Sturm announced that Bethel had again been denied state infrastructure funding for Smallwood water improvements. A separate $1 million sewer infrastructure grant application was also unsuccessful.

He said the town would continue seeking outside funding and making improvements as resources allow.

Despite the questions about infrastructure, several Smallwood residents praised the town’s acquisition of the water system.

Hyman described the purchase as an important step toward securing Smallwood’s future.

“This was the right thing to do,” he said.

Hillary Nudell, a seasonal Smallwood resident, also supported the water rate increase, saying property owners should contribute toward maintaining the system.

The board unanimously approved the Smallwood water rates following its separate public hearing.