Remember how the village of Fredonia was whittling down its 2012-13 fiscal year budget back in April?
Leaders picked through the crumbs and thought one of the best ways to reduce expenses would be to eliminate the $5,600 normally allocated to the Chadwick Bay Regional Development Corp. The corporation, we note, is currently working on creating a regional water district between a group of north county municipalities.
Ironically, after a severe drought, that $5,600 "saved" by the village turned into a $99,000 cost on water from Dunkirk.
So how did that decision ultimately work out for the village? About as well as an investment with Bernie Madoff.
Though Fredonia did not agree to become a part of the Chadwick Bay group, it certainly is already part of the regional water system - even if its water supervisor or the rest of the trustees cannot admit it. The spigot from Dunkirk was running in the summer more than everyone but one water supervisor in Fredonia knew until the bill came.
Taxpayers will ultimately be soaked for the mess. But next year, Fredonia leaders owe it to their community to be part of a regional group study on water.
A $99,000 bill to taxpayers that only one person is truly responsible for must never happen again.
