To the Editor:

A letter from the Berne town clerk was sent to homeowners in the sewer district stating homeowners will be charged grinder-pump repair and/or replacement costs for homeowners who violate the sewer use law.

Homeowners were instructed to review the sewer use law. I contacted the town clerk regarding a clause in the law and, after three weeks of her not being able to provide an answer, I was instructed to contact the town board.

I did, and questioned sewer law Section 159-29(c), which states “Owners who provide electric power to grinder pumps shall be reimbursed, annually, to compensate them for the cost of the electric power.”

I have lived here for four years and have not been notified of any reimbursement.

Regarding repair, I also mentioned my grinder pump services two separate houses and at a bare minimum gets twice as much use as a single household — is this taken into consideration? (It also uses twice as much electricity to run).

And regarding fees levied, how would it be determined which homeowner is at fault?

I would have expected a reply from the supervisor, something like, “Thank you; we will look into this.” However, after three weeks, I have not received a response.

Since public comments are not allowed at Berne Town Board meetings, I wonder if others in the sewer district share my questions and can assist in reaching out to the town board for answers.

Kenneth Guarino

Berne

Editor’s note: Berne Supervisor Dennis Palow could not immediately be reached.