The Stillwater Village Board of Trustees voted on Feb. 21 to increase its water rent billing rate for inside users by 50 cent per 1,000 gallons effective Oct. 1, 2023. The new water rate will be $5.50 per 1,000 gallons used.

The raising of the rates is necessary to maintain good fiscal budgeting practices, per New York state guidelines. The Saratoga County Water Authority (SCWA), where the village purchases its water, has been raising the village’s annual purchase rate by 1.5 percent (except in 2022).

The village has not raised the water rent since 2020 and, prior to that, since 2015. Meanwhile, water expenditures have been greater than the revenues, forcing the village to use its fund balance each year to balance the budget. At this time, Trustees believe, the fund balance applicable to water operation and maintenance is insufficient to cover possible future unexpected expenses.

The village is now putting together its budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year and will hold a public hearing on the proposed on March 21, 6:30 p.m., at Stillwater Town Hall.