Port Washington Sewer District Files $12.3 Million Budget with 1% Tax Hike

The Port Washington Water Pollution Control District submitted a proposed 2027 budget of $12,292,781 to the board. This figure represents a 12.4% increase over the current fiscal year spending of $10,937,814. District leadership attributes the rise in expenditures to essential infrastructure maintenance and higher operational costs.

Despite the jump in total spending, Commissioner Melanie Cassens and Business Manager Giovanna DiFiore stated that the tax levy will only increase by 1%. The proposed tax levy stands at $8,632,621, up from $8,549,830 in 2026. Cassens noted that the district remains 1.6% below the state-mandated tax cap. She explained that the overall budget growth does not directly translate to a proportional tax burden for residents.

A major driver of the increased costs is the expansion of the district’s contingency fund for emergency repairs. DiFiore indicated that the district is allocating $1.1 million for sewage and sludge treatment and disposal, which is a $100,000 increase from the previous year. This line item covers the hauling of solid and liquid waste, including scenarios where the treatment plant faces operational issues.

Cassens pointed to a major infrastructure failure on Beacon Hill Road in 2025 to justify the larger reserve. That repair required work approximately 20 feet underground and cost about $300,000. The district began setting aside contingency funds last year with a $50,000 allocation, but officials determined that amount was too small to handle a significant sewer line break. The new budget provides greater financial flexibility to respond to such unforeseen events.

The proposal also includes line items for professional services, equipment, and a full actuarial valuation. The district plans to spend on grant-writing assistance, media transcription services, and enhanced website security. Cassens announced the creation of a new district newsletter to improve communication with residents. She said the publication will cover operations, grant funding, and issues like saltwater intrusion that can strain the system.

Benefits and debt service are projected at $1,562,497 for 2027, down from $1,704,255 in 2026. Cassens clarified that the district’s ownership of Sunset Park is not responsible for the overall budget increase. Additional costs for bringing the park’s clubhouse up to safety standards have been covered by non-tax revenue. This includes fees for athletic field permits and advertising on the fencing. The district also received a donation from the Dejana Foundation through the Friends of Sunset Park, a nonprofit established in 2020.

The district is currently working on a license agreement with the nonprofit to formalize its arrangement at the park. The proposed budget must now be reviewed and approved by the board before becoming active for the 2027 fiscal year.