Syracuse Water Budget Hearing Summary

On April 28, 2026, the Syracuse City Council held a Division of Water Budget Hearing from approximately 18:56 UTC. Council members included Petrona Joe Rausa, Helen Hudson, Donna Moore, Martinave, and President Rida Paniawa, along with the Water Commissioner and staff. The hearing focused on the Water Department's recent accomplishments, the proposed 4% water rate increase, staffing challenges, and major infrastructure projects.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were recorded.

Department Overview & Accomplishments

• 415 water main repairs were completed this year, including breaks and leaks (not including fire hydrant replacements).
• The Bose Gatehouse Valve, broken closed for ~15 years, was repaired in-house at a much lower cost than originally budgeted in the CIP. This repair alone is estimated to bring 1.5 million gallons more water per day into the city.
• Morningside tanks were brought back online, restoring 8 million gallons of storage capacity.
• The transmission path from Skaneateles Lake to Syracuse was inspected; every valve and blow-off was operated. Two valves remain broken closed on the conduits and are scheduled for replacement this year.
• Inflow to the city increased from 39–40 MGD (million gallons per day) to 43–45 MGD, improving reservoir fill rates and water pressure.
• 1,200+ lead service lines were replaced in the last year (public side). The department is on target to continue lead replacements for the next 15 years.
• Forest Hill Drive (historically 6–7 breaks per winter) and Seely Road (historically 4–5 breaks per year) had zero breaks this winter after main replacements.
• Guilford Pump Station is operational, with no shutdowns affecting the daycare on Kimber this year.
• The department successfully transitioned to Syracuse Workforce Central for timekeeping and payroll.

Water Rate Increase Proposal

• A proposed 4% water rate increase was discussed, projected to cost the average minimal-use household about $7 per year. Heavy users would see a larger increase.
• Councilor Hudson questioned why the increase was 4% rather than 8%, noting that doubling the increase to $14 per year could fund more infrastructure improvements and help prevent lead contamination. Commissioner responded that affordability for low-income residents was a concern, and that 4% was a starting point—future increases may be considered.
• It was noted that Syracuse water rates remain among the lowest in the region and the country.
• The revenue from the increase goes directly into the water infrastructure fund to cover rising chemical costs (chlorine, orthophosphate) and the lead service line replacement program.
• Past increases: 2% in 2024; no increase in 2025.

Budget & Personnel Highlights

• Vacancies: The department has 15 vacancies, with about 10 requiring CDL drivers. Commissioner attributed the national CDL driver shortage to federal testing requirements for marijuana, which remains illegal federally, discouraging many young adults from obtaining CDL licenses.
• New positions:
  • Public Information Officer (PIO) – to manage social media, combat misinformation, and publicize water main breaks, lead line replacement areas, and other updates.
  • Instrumentation Mechanic – required by EPA and NYS Department of Health to manage and calibrate turbidity meters, flow meters, UV plant equipment. Not funded by grants; solely department-funded.
  • Equipment Maintenance Supervisor – replaces the heavy equipment crew leader to handle ordering, auctions, and vehicle readiness.
  • Water Maintenance Worker I – four new positions, converting former Laborer II positions, to provide flexible staffing (some with CDLs, some without).
• Professional services increases (pages 180, 184) were attributed to state-mandated programs: cross-connection control (a 2008 law the city had not complied with) and lead testing/sampling.
• Infrastructure fee (page 13) is separate from the 4% increase; it is charged to new developments requiring sprinkler systems, coordinating with the fire department for backflow prevention.
• Insurance recoveries dropped from $75,000 to $10,000; the department is working with legal to improve recovery for damaged hydrants.
• Sale of water is projected to increase by 4% (residential and commercial). The aquarium will purchase water at the same rate as other customers.

Discussion on Operations & Future Projects

• Lead replacement program: Contracts 1–3 already awarded and under construction; contracts 4–7 going out for bid. A website listing contractor areas and schedules is being developed (will be managed by the new PIO).
• Chlorine facility design at Skaneateles is underway.
• Hiawatha transmission main is planned to be brought back online this year.
• Reservoir circulation: To address algae blooms, the department is working with a company to improve water circulation in open reservoirs (e.g., Westcott and Woodland). Changes will aim to keep water moving without reducing pressure on the north side.
• Aquarium water connection: The aquarium will be tied to the city's water system and will purchase water at standard rates, per an offline discussion.
• Cost of water main breaks: The 415 repairs were all done in-house (no contractual costs); materials are funded partly through the operating budget and partly through CIP. Exact cost was not provided.

Key Outcomes

• The hearing concluded without a formal vote on the budget or rate increase. Council members expressed interest in further discussion offline, particularly regarding the rate increase percentage.
• Commissioner stated the department will continue to work with senior staff to strategize revenue increases.
• No motions were made beyond adjournment.

Meeting adjourned.