Port Washington Water Pollution Control District proposes 12% budget hike, remains under tax cap

A 12% spending increase in the Port Washington Water Pollution Control District’s overall proposed 2027 budget is being driven by infrastructure needs, rising operating costs and preparations for costly sewer emergencies — but district officials say the tax levy would increase by just 1%. The Port Washington Water Pollution Control District is proposing a $12.3 million budget for 2027, an increase of about 12.4% from the current year, with district officials attributing the spending plan to infrastructure needs, rising operating costs and preparations for unexpected sewer system emergencies. Commissioner Melanie Cassens and Business Manager Giovanna DiFiore said in an interview that the proposed budget totals $12,292,781, compared with $10,937,814 in 2026. They emphasized that the overall budget increase does not translate into an equivalent increase in the amount collected from taxpayers. The proposed tax levy is $8,632,621, up from $8,549,830 this year, an increase of about