The first meeting of the newly constituted Seneca County Water-Sewer Authority Board of Directors is in the books, marking what county officials say is the beginning of a Countywide strategic focus on water and sewer infrastructure.
The Authority was created by an act of the New York State Legislature, following a study commissioned by the County, aimed at fostering collaboration among towns, villages, and County agencies in support of strengthening and expanding infrastructure. County leadership solicited input from chief elected officials and technical staff in every town and village across the County and determined that a Water-Sewer Authority was the best vehicle for inter-municipal collaboration.
Inaugural Board members were appointed by the Board of Supervisors, and include Seneca County residents Curtis Biery, Brian Preston, Faith Smith, Robert Carroll, Tom Dyson, Clara Walborn, Damon Nicholson, Greg Keefe, and Mike Shores. Initial Board members serve staggered terms ranging from one to three years.
At its initial meeting, Board members received an overview of the pathway toward Authority formation, an assessment of the technical capacity and existing assets of water and sewer systems across the County, and heard case studies on successful authorities in peer counties.
The Board of Directors appointed the County’s current Director of Water and Sewer Operations, Daniel Schmalzel, as Interim Executive Director; and charged him with day-to-day oversight of Authority operations.
Seneca County Board of Supervisor Chairman noted that the meeting represented “a historic moment for Seneca County,” and said “Over the last several years, the Board of Supervisors has positioned Seneca County for growth. This Authority represents an opportunity to think creatively, be collaborative, and to elevate the County’s position in the region as a destination for investment and development.”
Romulus resident Robert Caroll, whom the Authority elected as its Chairman, said “County leadership has shown foresight and strategic thinking in creating this unique vehicle. Our Board takes seriously the charge to foster collaboration and strengthen our infrastructure footprint. We stand ready to support the County’s economic development and growth goals.”
The Board of Directors will continue to meet monthly, with an early focus on establishing protocols for Board operations and strategies for inter-municipal cooperation. The next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for April 24th at 5:30 in the Board of Supervisors Meeting Room.
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