New York Senate Bill S07927

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/14/25
• Refer: 5/14/25
• Engrossed: 6/12/25
• Refer: 6/12/25
• Engrossed: 6/13/25

Caption

Provides for the conveyance or lease of sewer system properties located in the county of Westchester's New Rochelle sanitary sewer district and related management responsibilities to the county by municipalities in such district when determined to be in the public interest.

Impact

If enacted, S07927 would significantly alter the operational landscape of sewer services in the affected municipalities. By allowing the county to take over sewer management duties, the bill encourages a more centralized approach to handling waste water systems, which could lead to improved infrastructure and maintenance practices. However, it also places the municipalities under the financial obligations tied to any outstanding debts related to the sewer systems they transfer, thereby shifting potential liabilities from local to county management.

Summary

Bill S07927 aims to facilitate the conveyance or lease of sewer system properties located in the New Rochelle sanitary sewer district within Westchester County. The legislation allows cities, towns, or villages within the district to transfer management responsibilities of these sewer systems to the county when deemed beneficial to the public interest. The proposed changes are intended to streamline sewer management and improve efficiency by consolidating resources under the county's oversight. The bill outlines specific terms regarding the conveyance process, financial responsibilities, and operational management between the municipalities and the county government.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding bill S07927 arise from concerns about local control versus county management. Some municipalities may resist the transfer of their sewer systems based on fears of losing governance over local infrastructure issues, leading to potential issues with responsiveness to local needs. Additionally, the financial implications for these municipalities could spark debates regarding fair assessments of costs versus benefits, potentially leading to disagreements on how such transitions are handled in practice. Transparency and thorough public hearings are mandated to address these issues and ensure that all stakeholders are adequately represented.