Why are Village Trustees Paying Less for Water than You?

THE EXCLUSIVE “190 CLUB”: Is it a Secret Senior Discount Reserved for Village Insiders?

For years, the Village of Wappingers Falls has operated a two-tier system for water billing. While the current average resident pays a base rate of $53.89, a select group of 190 users enjoys a “Senior Base Rate” of $31.21—a staggering 43% savings.
On paper, this sounds like a noble program for our seniors. But in practice, it looks more like a private club.

The “Hidden” Qualifications

According to the Village’s own rate sheets, the village has a discount rate for “senior citizens.”However, there is no application form on the Village website. There is no public notice sent to seniors when they turn 65. Nothing about the discount on the website was sent with the water bills. In fact, most residents never find out about the discount.

Insiders at the Front of the Line?

While the general public is left in the dark, the very people running the Village seem to have no trouble finding the “Join” button for this exclusive discount. Records indicate that current and former officials are among the select few receiving the Senior Base Rate:

Rosemarie Vanca (Current 2nd Ward Trustee)
Rick Cerino (Current 1st Ward Trustee)
Jeff Smith (Recent 3rd Ward Trustee)
Walter Masch (Recent 1st Ward Trustee)

The “Family and Friends” Legacy

Sources suggest this “off-book” approach to the senior rate began years ago under a previous administration. By knowingly participating in and maintaining a discount that isn’t advertised to the general public, the current Board isn’t just “following tradition”—they are participating in a system of selective benefit.

If the Village employees and multiple politicians can navigate the system to get their 43% discount, why can’t the thousands of other Wappingers Falls water users do the same?

A Call for Accountability

The Village of Wappingers Falls owes its residents transparency. If a discount exists, it must be available to all who qualify, not just those with a seat at the table.

Where is the resolution that authorized these specific names to be added to the list?
Why is there no application available to the public?
Will the Village provide retroactive credits to the seniors who were overcharged because they weren’t “in the loop”? Will it take a class action lawsuit?
While the Village is providing this 43% discount to a select group of 190, census data shows there are approximately 648 senior-headed households in our community. Why are nearly 460 senior water users being forced to pay full price while a small circle of insiders reaps the rewards?