Yonkers council approves water rate ordinance despite objections over meter replacement and estimated bills

The Yonkers City Council on May 28 approved a general ordinance amending Chapter 95 of the city code to change water rates, adopting the measure by a 6–1 vote.

Councilmember Moranti said he would vote no, citing resident frustration over recent meter replacement work and billing uncertainty. “I will not be supporting this water increase,” Moranti said, adding that residents are upset the city recently replaced water meters “again at a cost of about, what, $18,000,000.” He also raised concerns that many customers are receiving estimated bills under the new metering program: “People now are getting all estimated tax bills.”

Minority Leader Breen sought to reassure the public about billing accuracy. “I’ve been assured that no one will be charged an extra $500 if they haven’t had the water meter installed,” Breen said, and he said those customers “will get an accurate water bill once the water meter is properly installed.”

The council opened the item for comment, then took a roll call and passed the ordinance 6–1. The clerk announced the measure as adopted 6 to 1.

The ordinance was presented on the council’s published special-meeting agenda as “a general ordinance amending chapter 95 of the Code of the City of Yonkers in relation to water rates.” The transcript records debate limited to the rate increase and meter-installation concerns; no separate directive or follow-up study was recorded during the discussion.

Council comments emphasized two distinct issues: support for updated meters and infrastructure, and constituent concern about meter replacement costs and estimated bills. The council did not record additional conditions or a requirement for bill audits within the discussion recorded on the transcript.