As part of his pledge to reduce taxes and consolidate government services, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi announced deals with four municipal sewage districts Tuesday.
Sewage treatment facilities in Lawrence, Long Beach, Cedarhurst and Glen Cove would be absorbed by the county's Sewer and Storm Water Authority if the deal is approved by the county Legislature and local governments.
Glen Cove's plant, which recently underwent renovations, would take on the responsibility of serving North Shore communities currently using cesspools. Lawrence, Long Beach and Cedarhurst facilities would be turned into pumping stations, with the districts' waste sent to the Nassau treatment plant in Bay Park.
The deal, which would take effect in 2011, promises at least a five-year freeze in sewer rates. Local sewage district workers would also be guaranteed jobs with the county.
Officials said residents will see a difference in their tax bills if the deals are passed.
"We are estimating very conservatively to start with $500 a year per household," Long Beach City Manager Edward Eaton said. Village of Lawrence Trustee Martin Oliner pegged savings at around $250 per home.
Suozzi is eyeing consolidation agreements with other North Shore districts, which would send their waste to Cedar Creek plant in Wantagh.
Legis. Dennis Dunne (R-Levittown), however, said the facility has had its problems.
"Cedar Creek is at 70 percent capacity," Dunne said. We can't take anymore. We need to have a little bit of a buffer zone."