DeSena and Saladino Criticize State Commission Over Liberty Water Bill Increases

North Shore town supervisors on October 28, 2026, challenged the New York State Public Service Commission regarding recent approvals for water rate increases.

Jen DeSena, the North Hempstead supervisor, and Joe Saladino, the Oyster Bay supervisor, joined John Ferretti, the Hempstead town supervisor, to voice opposition to the actions of Liberty New York Water. The group stated that Governor Kathy Hochul’s appointed commissioners were fast-tracking the new rates without sufficient review. Ferretti specifically requested that the commission reject the current proposals and send them back for revision.

The supervisors cited a lack of public input as a primary concern. The commission scheduled only two public hearings for Long Island customers, a timeline the officials described as inconvenient. DeSena characterized the approval process as an act of cowardice. She argued that residents are being asked to pay hundreds of dollars more for an essential service during a period of financial strain.

Saladino noted that the commission has approved more than 48 rate hikes in recent years. He stated that rising utility costs are forcing some residents out of their homes. DeSena added that families are currently facing a real affordability crisis. She said that demanding higher payments for water shows a lack of concern for hardworking households.

Liberty New York Water serves the Sea Cliff District in Nassau County. This area includes the communities of Sea Cliff, Glen Head, and Glenwood Landing, along with parts of Roslyn and Roslyn Harbor. DeSena emphasized that residents deserve safe drinking water and dependable infrastructure. She maintained that customers also require a meaningful opportunity to influence decisions that increase their bills.

The proposed changes would result in higher monthly charges for affected households. Residents in Sea Cliff face an additional cost of $26.89 or more per month. The average Liberty Water customer in Nassau County currently pays nearly $2,000 per year for service.

The officials gathered to denounce what they termed underhanded efforts by both Liberty Water and the Public Service Commission. DeSena concluded that residents should not have to worry about affording basic water services. The group positioned their challenge as a defense of local residents against state-level regulatory decisions.