Press Releases

Contact: Public Relations Department
Suffolk County Water Authority
PO Box 37
Oakdale NY 11769
(631) 563-0296

March 11, 2009
Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor:

Since I came aboard in 1990, the Suffolk County Water Authority has focused on not only improving efficiencies, but has also been devoted to cutting costs so that we are able to provide pure, safe and constantly tested water at rates well below the national average – in fact they are now 40% below the national average.

As part of this “modernization”, the Water Authority developed a comprehensive budgeting process that focused on budgeting over time instead of budgets reactive to short term economic cycles. This includes budgeting for employee compensation. And, as a result of the Suffolk County Legislature making smart appointments to the Board that they should be proud of, we have been able to continue to be fiscally prudent, not just during economic downturns, but all the time.

That being said, I would like to clarify the Tuesday, March 9th Newsday article by Rick Brand, by highlighting a few salient points that were omitted from the article.

First, these raises will have absolutely no impact on the water rates – period! The money for the salary increases was budgeted and approved, and the Water Authority, because of our dedicated workforce, has even been able to announce another rate freeze for this year, and possibly next year as well.

Second, the apparent reluctance of two board members to grant these already approved and budgeted increases may be a signal that they want salary freezes across the board for ALL EMPLOYEES – union and management. If so, they should state that.

Third, the proposed increases average 2.47%, which is lower than the cost of living increase averaged over the entire year of 2008. The union employees have already received 3% for both 2008 and 2009.

Fourth, the salary package highlighted in the article included increases for employees who were promoted during the year, but their salary levels were held over at the previous level. In addition, the budgeted amount included adjustments for inequities created when union employees received raises and created the situation where employees were making more than their supervisors.

Fifth, a small amount, $34,000, was set-aside for the technical employees who worked endless hours beyond their normal day-to-day duties to be expert witnesses in the MTBE case. It was because of these employees that the Water Authority received a settlement of $75 million – the largest in the nation. The $34,000 – a one-time award for outstanding performance by the key Water Authority lawyers, engineers and scientists responsible for developing the evidence on the MTBE lawsuit – is less than 7 days of interest on the $75 million in the bank.

Sixth, the Water Authority is a quasi-public not for profit entity that doesn’t collect a dime in taxes. That means we make our money from selling water at incredibly low rates. The Water Authority is in a much better position because it is not a bloated bureaucracy and continues to enjoy the distinction of having the highest credit rating of any public water company in America. I am proud to say that is because we run such a tight ship, by demanding dedication and efficiency while being fair with all our employees.

Finally, our employees, whose average salary of $64,000 is less than the average salary on Long Island, are dedicated to providing the most essential service around. In fact, senior managers at the Suffolk County Water Authority earn far less than Nassau County based water district superintendents. Every time they turn on the tap, our 1 million plus customers rely on us, and our employees, to provide pure, safe drinking water 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

From the media attention, you would think that Wall Street style bonuses were in the offing and nothing could be further from the truth. We are talking about an average salary increase below the cost of living.

Very truly yours,

Michael A. LoGrande
Chairman