From the Desk of Williston Park Mayor: Paul Ehrbar
The Federal Environmental Protection Agency has established new water standards for PFAS(forever chemicals) residue in drinking water. Williston Park water is currently in compliance with all Federal and State guidelines and will continue to meet or exceed both standards. However, the EPA has recently lowered the standard for PFAS to 4 parts per trillion, effective December 2029. The Village has undertaken the major task of reviewing the needs required to follow the new regulations, including the projected cost and revenue needed. A firm was hired to conduct a water rate study, and it has been determined that a 33% increase to water rates effective March 1, 2025 is warranted. The Village Board and I are frustrated over the required increases, however, there is no choice but to move forward in order to comply. PFAS compounds have been determined to present potential health issues and the Village is determined to provide clean and healthy water to all customers.
A Water Rate Hearing was held on February 24, 2025, which was open to the public. Many residents from both Williston Park and East Williston were in attendance. A presentation by Bill Merklin, D&B Engineers opened the hearing. Questions were asked and answered at length about the proposed water rate increase. While I and the entire Board are not pleased with the new regulations, all voted aye for the rate increase. A concern of many, including the Board, was the possibility that the Federal government, under the new administration, may change these regulations. However, considering the current requirement to have the new filtration in place by 2029, the Village must move forward. The process to design and construct the required equipment is quite lengthy and starting the project now allows the Village to be in compliance. Speculating about possible changes to the requirements is not practical. If changes are made by the government, the Board will revisit revenue needs.
A copy of the Water Rate Study is available for review at the Village Hall during normal business hours, Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm and is also posted on the Village website.
“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”
Winter this year seems to be never-ending. It’s been cold with three snow events and days of unusually heavy winds. We have been teased with a few warm days, but the wintry weather quickly returned. Spring weather should be coming in the next few weeks. Blooming daffodils and crocuses will be a welcome sight. The Beautification Committee will be out soon, preparing various areas for plantings.
“We must consult our means rather than our wishes.”
― George Washington
The Board has been working on the 2025-2026 Tax Year Budget. This is not an easy task, especially considering increasing costs. While there is a State Tax Cap of 2% (which is then adjusted with a growth factor and any available carryover from the previous year), the Board can override this increase, if needed. However, it is expected that when completed, any increase will be under the tax cap. Village Clerk, Kristi Romano, the architect of the Budget, with direction from the Board, has spent many hours reviewing costs and potential increases, with the understanding of the impact on Village residents.
“Little League baseball is a very good thing because it keeps the parents off the streets.”
This year’s Opening Day of the Williston Park Little League is set for April 5th. The day will begin with their traditional parade. It will kick off at Broad Street and Hillside Avenue and march through the Village (route will be posted on the Village website). I ask all residents to come and cheer on our youngsters as they march in uniform. It’s a great event and enjoyable to watch. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the coaches and volunteers who spend many hours supporting our children in this positive venue.
"Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what the hell happened."- Cora Harvey Armstron
On March 8th I was honored to present a proclamation to Katherine Borgia, on her 102nd birthday, at her son’s home on Temple Street. She is an energetic, wonderful woman whose personality and thoughts are those of a much younger woman. It was an enjoyable event and I told Katherine that I expect to be back for her 103rd!
Please take note of the following:
The Village of Williston Park applies for funding via Nassau County and HUD for Residential Rehabilitation Projects. This program assists those that fall below certain income levels to have work done to their home. The work focuses on weatherization work (roofs, boilers, windows, etc.) and provides help to people with disabilities with needed modifications. A resident must own their home, fall below certain income levels, and live in the Village of Williston Park, to qualify. The current 2025 income levels to qualify are as follows: 1-person household: $78,500, 2-person household: $89,750, 3-person household: $100,950, 4-person household: $112,200.
If a resident believes they qualify or wants to find out if they qualify and are interested in applying for these funds, which are limited, please send a letter to the Village, indicating that you would like to apply for the Residential Rehabilitation Program. Include your name, address, and daytime phone number(s). If funding is available, your request will then be forwarded to Nassau County, who will then send you an application and determine eligibility. Please know that the entire process will take time even when funding is available. Personal, confidential information is not submitted to the Village but goes directly to Nassau County.
Please go to the Village web site for more detailed information or contact Village Hall 516-746-2193.
Any resident who may know of someone who may need assistance, please provide them with the aforementioned.
Your Village Board, Deputy Mayor Kevin Rynne, Trustee Billy Carr, Trustee Bill O’Brien, and Trustee Mike Uttaro continue to work well as a team, to support our great Village and provide for our residents.
Thank you to all our Volunteers who make Williston Park the great Village it is.
“Together, we can make a difference.”
Myself, and the Board and our families wish all a Happy Easter and Passover.
~ Paul Ehrbar, Mayor of Williston Park
