Vernon MUA grants VFW post a 1-year extension

VERNON — The Vernon Township Municipal Utilities Authority granted the Wallkill Valley Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8441 a one-year reprieve to hook up to the Town Center sewers system.

The VFW membership had previously voted to sell the facility because members were unable to come up with the money for the $20,000 hookup fees. All properties in the Town Center are required to hook up to the township sewer system at their own expense and pay quarterfly user fees.

In a unanimous vote, a hardship resolution was passed granting the VFW a 2-year connection waiver, which dates back to July 2013. They would have a year to raise the money and connect to the system.

“The resolution is relatively straightforward.” Attorney John Ursin said. “It grants a 2-year extension dating back to 2013. In this case you’re giving the VFW effectively a 1 year deferral.”

According to VFW Chairman, Bob Constantine, the post have received a donation from Mountain Creek to pay for the delinquent fees that have incurred over the past year, amounting to more than $2,000. However, that still leaves a remaining $20,000 obligation to be met within a year to hook up to the system.

“It’s a stay, it gives us a year to come up with the money.” Constantine said. “Mountain Creek will give us a generous donation for the delinquent fees. Not sure how we’ll come up with the $20,000. That’s a lot of money to raise in a year, but we’ll figure it out.”