Leg. Horsley implores Suffolk County Water Authority to reopen customer payment site
The following letter was sent to Michael LoGrande, chairman of the Suffolk County Water Authority by S.C. Leg. Wayne Horsley and submitted to us for publication.

Dear Chairman LoGrande:

It has come to my attention that as of November 17, 2006 the Suffolk County Water Authority has closed the western regional customer service office located at 260 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge. As a consequence those residents who must utilize a customer service office to make a payment in person must now travel to the central regional office located in Coram. I am concerned that the closure of this facility underserves residents of Suffolk County, disadvantages both the poor and the elderly, and is contrary in nature to the mission statement of the Water Authority.

As you know, the Water Authority has over 352,763 residential and business customers, serves over one million County residents, and has increased the 2007 operating and maintenance budget by $4.3 million. Despite the aforementioned, the Water Authority has only two customer service offices. Neither facility is located in close proximity to the densely populated service territory of the four western towns. Thus it seems despite having paid for a $4.3 million increase in operating and maintenance costs the western towns are being served disproportionately to their needs.

My sense of compassion compels me to implore you to consider our elderly and low-income residents who are accustomed to paying their bills in person, as well as those who are unable to pay by phone because they do not have a credit card or via the Internet for lack of a computer. Many of my constituents have no means of transportation other than a taxi. Coram is 30 miles east of this area. Roundtrip cab fare for a Copiague resident to your customer service facility in Coram is approximately $140.00! The inconvenience and financial burden constitutes an unnecessary hardship for many Water Authority customers. Such a hardship seems unnecessary, and only magnifies the frightening experience of no water service. The re-opening of the Hauppauge regional customer service office could severely mitigate this encumbrance, and represents a genuine commitment to customer service.

In conclusion, the Water Authority mission statement reads, "We will provide the highest quality water at the lowest possible cost in an atmosphere of excellent customer service." However, a cursory review of your 2007 operating and maintenance budget reveals a $4.3 million increase in costs accompanied by a decrease in customer service. Therefore, it appears that the 2007 Budget has simultaneously increased cost and decreased service, a notion that is anathema to the Water Authority mission statement.

Out of concern for my constituents, and other affected County residents, I request that the Board consider reopening the western regional customer service center to adequately serve the needs of the four western towns. If this is not a viable solution, I would like to meet with you to discuss potential options for alternative customer payment sites.

Thank you for your attention to this matter of mutual concern. I look forward to hearing from you in the very near future.

Wayne Horsley, S.C. Leg.

14th District

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