TUSTEN – Proposed sewer and water rates within the Town of Tusten have been accepted as of their meeting on Tuesday, December 12. Back in August, RCAP Solutions Community Specialist Becky Sims advised the Town Board on five potential billing options. 

The board had settled on the option labeled “number five,” which sought to adjust both base rate and use rate. Following its acceptance by the board Tuesday night, the base rate sits at $125.50 and the use rate at $8.88 per 1,000 gallon.

Previously, Town Board member Greg Triggs noted that the town is legally disallowed from creating a system that is profitable. It may only generate enough revenue to stay self-sufficient and self-sustaining.

In addition to the sewer rates being cemented for next year, Town Board member Kevin McDonough gave a brief “year in review” report which highlighted a number of the achievements that were made by the town throughout this past year.

Those achievements included the recent completion of the Little Lake Erie Culvert project, a town water tower project expected in early 2024, major restorations to the town’s water and sewer systems, increased protection of wild and scenic locations, the hiring of a local architect to analyze Town Hall, the renting out of the Old Wayne Bank building for a steady source of income for the town and the overwhelming support and success of social programs like Tusten Social and the Tusten Youth Commission.

McDonough also highlighted the municipal career of fellow board member, Jane Luchsinger, Deputy to Supervisor Ben Johnson, who will not be returning to the board on January 1. Luchsinger, who did not run for reelection this past November, was given a farewell round of applause and kind words from her colleagues. 

Members of the Town Board gave their thanks to the Deputy Supervisor.

Luchsinger’s vacated spot will be filled by board member-elect Cass Collins, who secured enough votes alongside Bruce Gettel in his bid for reelection in a three way race, which included Kevin E. Markham.

“I have really enjoyed my time on the board, and I have learned so much about the town and met so many people,” Luchsinger said. “It’s been a privilege.”

It was also announced that Sole Assessor Kenneth Baim was retiring from his position this year.

The meeting recessed until today, Friday, December 15 at 5 p.m., with the end of the year meeting scheduled for December 29 at 11 a.m.