PARK RIDGE—The Borough Council voted, 3–2, on Dec. 10 to approve higher water and electric rates for 2025, despite not knowing at the time how much the increases would cost the average homeowner.
Subsequently, Councilor Michael Mintz, liaison to the Board of Public Works, clarified that the new rates will result in a $7 monthly increase in electric bills for an average residence, and a $7 quarterly increase in water bills. Mintz noted that even with the increases, Park Ridge Utilities’ rates remain significantly lower than those of commercial utilities.
He said, “Park Ridge Utilities provides superior services and is much lower than what our citizens would pay with commercial utilities. The new monthly electric rate for an ‘average residence’ is a $7 increase and is still $13 less than Orange & Rockland and $37 less than PSE&G at their current rates.”
Mintz added, “The new quarterly water rate for an ‘average residence’ is a $7 increase and is still $80 less than Veolia and $112 less than NA Water at their current rates.”
Initial Lack of Rate Clarity
During the meeting, the council approved the rate increases without publicly disclosing the specifics, a decision criticized by councilman-elect William Fenwick and Mayor Keith Misciagna. Both said they had requested the rate details in advance but had not received them.
Republican Councilor Bruce Goldsmith abstained from voting, citing this lack of transparency. He told Pascack Press, “I abstained from the vote on the utility rates because when the question was asked at our last council meeting, no one knew or was properly informed as to what the percentage of increase was being voted on. I felt it was inappropriate to vote to increase the rates when the council itself didn’t even know what the proposed rate increases were going to be.”
The split vote saw Democratic councilors Mintz, Robert Metzdorf, and John Ferguson in favor, while Democrat Matthew Capilli and Republican Gregory Hoffman opposed.
Reasons for the Rate Increases
Officials attributed the water rate increase to the cost of new filtration equipment to remove PFAS chemicals and to prepare for potential lead pipe replacement expenses. Mintz warned that if the water rate increase were delayed, rates could rise by 30% or more next year.
Electric rates are increasing due to higher energy costs. Mintz explained that the electric utility recently purchased power for 2025 at approximately $45 per kilowatt hour, up from $28.50 previously. “That’s the jump in prices. Where do you think the money’s coming from? It’s got to come from the ratepayers. We got to pay for electricity,” he said.
Council Debate
The vote sparked heated debate, with Capilli opposing the water rate increase, citing “fat” in the capital and operating budgets. Misciagna and Mintz challenged him to specify cuts, with Misciagna stating, “You know we run a tight ship.”
A brief shouting match erupted between Capilli and Misciagna, with the mayor accusing Capilli of “playing politics” with his vote. Both shouted over each other before moving on.
Hoffman criticized the utility’s spending, saying, “The money would be there” if the utility were more responsible, though he did not provide specific suggestions for cuts. Misciagna responded that Hoffman should identify line items to cut.
Lead Pipe Concerns
Fenwick also asked about a recent letter sent by Park Ridge Water to approximately 5,100 homes in Park Ridge and Woodcliff Lake. The letter, titled “Notice of Unknown Service Line Composition,” seeks homeowners’ help in identifying service lines that may contain lead.
Misciagna explained that the letter complies with new USEPA requirements for water systems to inventory service line materials and notify residents if those materials are unknown. It also includes information on the health effects of lead and steps to reduce exposure.
The borough water utility stated it is working to update its inventory and plans to replace all lead and galvanized service lines by 2031, as required by state law. A customer survey form is being developed to assist with this effort.
Residents can find the letter and related information at parkridgeboro.com or contact the borough administrator for assistance.