Judge Was 'Balanced' In Ridgewood Water Ruling, Mayor Says

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Mayor Susan Knudsen said the judge in the Ridgewood Water lawsuit took a "balanced" approach to three municipal ratepayers suing the utility over increased rates.

Judge Lisa Perez Friscia ruled in favor of Wyckoff, Glen Rock and Midland Park, whose residents are served by Ridgewood Water. The municipalities sued the utility over a 31-percent rate increase from 2010 to 2012.Ridgewood representatives claimed the increase was necessary for the utility to stay solvent. Ratepayers claim the utility artificially inflated its costs and cost them millions of dollars.

The ruling will allow the Village Council to recalculate prior rate increases based on input from "qualified experts," Knudsen said in a statement.

RELATED: Ridgewood Water Loses Rate Lawsuit, Must Recalculate Rates

The decision also gives the village the right to take the permitted surplus not taken in previous years, Knudsen said.

Friscia did not award the three plaintiffs litigation costs or attorney fees because the plaintiffs failed to prove damages, Knudsen said.

"In the absence of a plaintiff appeal, the Village looks forward to a quick and reasonable resolution of this matter," Knudsen said. "Ridgewood Water will continue to deliver a safe and reliable water supply at reasonable rates, and looks forward to the continued implementation of capital improvements."

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