CITYWIDE AND DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN— A PROPOSED 6% INCREASE IN THE CITY’S WATER RATE has drawn boos from Assemblymember Michael Tannousis, a Republican who represents parts of Bay Ridge and Staten Island.
The proposed increase from the city Department of Environmental Protection would raise water and sewer costs by 6% for homeowners and businesses across the city, effective July 1. Tannousis on Thursday criticized the proposed increase for Fiscal Year 2027, calling it another financial burden on families struggling with the rising cost of living, although the agency said that assistance programs for low-income households would continue under the proposal.
Public hearings will be held in each borough in early June, for residents to provide input on the proposed hike. The Brooklyn hearing will take place Tuesday, June 2, at 6 p.m., at Saint Francis College, 179 Livingston St. The public can also email written comments to the Water Board at [email protected]. After the hearings, the Water Board is scheduled to meet on June 10 for a vote on the rate increase.
Tannousis argued the city must focus on improving affordability and accountability before asking residents to pay more.
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