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BROCTON — Village electric ratepayers in Brocton could be looking at an increase following the results of a rate hike, which will soon be submitted to the New York State Public Service Commission. Brocton Village Board members have moved forward with the application process to seek a rate increase, which will allow for the replacement of one, possibly two, much-needed transformers which supply villagewide electricity. The village has been working with Laura Landers, MPA, CPA of Freed, Maxick & Battaglia, PC of Buffalo, who specializes in this type of process, to research and submit the necessary information to the PSC for the rate increase. “There has been no rate increase since 1996,” said Brocton Mayor J. Dale Abram. The increase would allow for the village to make a profit of 4 to 5 percent, which could be put back into the electric system, paying for a brand new transformer, something the village is seeking to replace, given the age of the two transformers currently supplying the electric. Typically, transformers last on the average of 38 years, according to Abram, “the two transformers at our substation are 1967, vintage transformers,” and are at their 42-year mark for providing the necessary electric supply to customers. In an effort to get them replaced, the village sought out a bid process by O’Brien & Gere of Syracuse. The bid for one transformer came in at $300,000, considerably less than the $781,000 that was expected. “Recognizing the need to have the transformers replaced and the age of the existing ones, already passed their life expectancy, we really need to apply for this rate increase,” stated Abram. “With the up to 5 percent we would be getting, we could replace this dated transformer and provide the necessary and adequate power supply to the Village of Brocton, for years to come.” If the increase is approved by the PSC, the intent would be to replace one transformer as soon as possible, and work towards replacing the second. Typically, the process would take at least a year, explained Abram. He added that the potential does exist for the village to be denied the increase, and stated “I hope not.” “We really need this transformer for the next 38 years.” In other business, the board announced its decision to provide health insurance coverage for all full time employees of the village. The board also announced the recommendation by The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health to decommission the Burr Road reservoir. No immediate plans have been made for the reservoir at this time. The board was also presented with information from Patty DiPalma and MaryAnn Woleben, both from The Westfield Memorial Hospital Foundation, on the current fundraising efforts which are underway for the local hospital, and how the function of the hospital impacts residents both in the Village of Brocton and outside surrounding communities. The Hospital and Foundation are encouraging residents to continue to urge legislators and the governor to support the existing operating structure of the hospital. More details regarding the future of the hospital are expected within the next few weeks. The Board will meet for their next regular meeting Wednesday at 7 p.m.

 

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