Dear PVRC Members:
We need your help! The formation of a home heating oil co-op is slowly under way in our town. Town Board member, Wendy Whetsel has been working on setting up a co-op, similar to the one in the town of Cortlandt.
There have been concerns from Town Hall on budgetary costs to set up and running the co-op. Normally, those costs are covered in a small membership fee as people sign up. We all know that oil costs will eventually go up and with economic uncertainty,any savings will be beneficial, especially now.
Co-op rules:
1. A small fee will be charged to sign up. (Cortlandt charges $5.00.)
2. Several oil companies will be solicited to be approved oil vendors.
3. There is no lock in of prices but the companies can not charge more than approx.$.30 over the wholesale cost. (The exact amount is to be negotiated). You should check with several vendors before you buy, to get the best price.
4. Like the price of oil, the maintenace contract or cleaning cost can be negotiated with any of the vendors.
On December 10th at the Town Board worksession, this issue will be on the agenda. Yorktown and Cortlandt have set up home heating oil co-ops. Putnam County is in support of towns setting them up. Why can’t we?
Please show your support for this iniative by phoning the Supervisor’s office at 526-2121 or emailing Bob Tendy at supervisor@putnamvalley.com and stating how much you want this Co-op.
PUTNAM VALLEY RESIDENTS’ COALITION
A NONPROFIT 501(c)(3) ORGANIZATION
Popularity: 2% [?]
Several years ago a fuel oil “coop” solicited my membership, but the prices were actually higher than what I was paying. Yes, a true “coop” is something we all need, imho. Surely there is not a politician in Town Hall who would oppose it. Full speed ahead. Let’s see a Town Board vote in favor and availability of the coop’s price protection before we all need the next tank fill-up!