Port Washington Sewer District Plans 12% Spending Jump for 2027
Officials cite infrastructure repairs and emergency reserves as the tax levy rises only 1% to $8.6 million.
By Christopher Singh ·
The Port Washington Water Pollution Control District is proposing a $12.3 million budget for 2027, a 12.4% increase over the current year. Commissioners Melanie Cassens and Business Manager Giovanna DiFiore attribute the spending plan to infrastructure needs, rising operating costs, and preparations for costly sewer emergencies. Despite the overall jump in expenses, the district says the tax levy will increase by just 1%.
The proposed budget totals $12,292,781, compared with $10,937,814 in 2026. DiFiore stated that the proposed tax levy is $8,632,621, up from $8,549,830 in the current year. Cassens noted that the district remains approximately 1.6% below its state-mandated tax cap. She explained that the overall budget increase does not translate into an equivalent rise in the amount collected from taxpayers.
“The 12% increase overall is not a 12%, it doesn’t affect our taxpayers 12%,” Cassens said. “What would be concerning to the public would be if we were to pierce the tax cap.”
A major portion of the increase goes toward sewage and sludge treatment and disposal, which is budgeted at $1.1 million. This represents a $100,000 increase from the previous year and covers the hauling of solid and liquid waste. The district is also increasing its contingency allocation for emergency repairs. Officials began setting aside these funds last year with an initial budget of $50,000, but determined that amount was insufficient for major breaks.
Cassens cited a break on Beacon Hill Road in 2025 that required repairs 20 feet underground and cost about $300,000. She said the district did not have a specific budget for such an event. A larger contingency fund provides flexibility to respond to unforeseen problems. Other spending increases include a full actuarial valuation, grant-writing assistance, media transcription services, website maintenance, and security.
The district is also launching a new newsletter to improve communication with residents. Cassens said the publication will supplement the website and Facebook page by providing information on operations, infrastructure improvements, grant funding, and system issues. She mentioned saltwater intrusion into sewer pipes as an example of a problem the district hopes to explain. Saltwater can strain operations and interfere with wastewater treatment before discharge into the bay.
Cassens addressed concerns about the district's ownership of Sunset Park, stating the property was not responsible for the overall budget increase. The district has historically paid for landscaping, garbage removal, and snow removal. Additional costs for bringing the clubhouse up to safety standards were covered with non-tax revenue, including fees from athletic field permits and advertising signs. A donation from the Dejana Foundation through the Friends of Sunset Park also contributed to these costs. The district is currently working on a license agreement with the nonprofit to formalize its arrangement.
