28-01-2025
Your Stories Q&A: Why do I pay a county water tax when I'm not an OCWA customer?
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — You ask, we answer!This question came from a viewer named David, who lives in the Town of Pompey and has well water on his property.
So why the tax? According to Onondaga County and OCWA (Central New York's Water Authority), everyone pays, because everyone benefits.
'The county water tax was instituted in the 1960s in connection with the Onondaga County Water District's buildout of the water supply system from Lake Ontario. The feeling was that even people not directly connected to the water system would benefit from public water being supplied to the area. The tax pays for the debt associated with building out the facilities to deliver water to Onondaga County,' A spokesperson for OCWA said in an email to the Your Stories Team.
A spokesperson with the Onondaga County Executive's office said something similar, but added a few more details:
'The county decided in the 1960s that all property owners are benefitted the presence of public water – it spurred economic development that created jobs, etc. Also, people benefit when there is public water available in schools, libraries and other government buildings. Very important to note that just because someone may not personally have access to public water currently, does not mean that they won't in the future.' Justin Sayles, communications director with the Onondaga County Executive's office said in an email.
According to Onondaga County Legislator, David Knapp, the county water tax is about 7 cents for every $1,000 in assessed value of your property.
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Your Stories Q&A: Why do I pay a county water tax when I'm not an OCWA customer?
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