LYON MOUNTAIN — Mountain Top Senior Housing has been struggling financially in recent years.

Now, increased water rates have added to the burden.

Facility Board President Jean LeClair said the recent water increases and current sewer rates in Lyon Mountain may financially cripple the federally subsidized housing facility, which has been accommodating area seniors for nearly two decades.

RATES RISE

At Mountain Top, rent is based on a person’s income and assets. Residents pay rent and electricity, while the facility foots the bill for routine maintenance, plowing, fuel, water, sewage and other expenses.

So when the water rate jumped about $160 from last year’s $40 rate, LeClair said, it added to the mounting financial burden.

She said the board fundraises through the year to help offset expenses, but “there’s only so much we can do. And it’s been really tough.

“If the money’s not there, then there’s nothing we can do, and we can’t put that debt on the seniors.”

A grant secured by Sen. Betty Little (R-Queensbury) temporarily helped with past expenses, but that funding has run dry, and the facility’s rental income can’t cover it all, LeClair said.

She questioned the rate hike and why the facility can’t be given some relief by the town.

FAIR TO ALL

Though town officials expressed sympathy for Mountain Top’s financial situation, Town Supervisor Barbara Douglas said it has to be charged the same rate as everyone else.

She said it wouldn’t be fair to give exemptions to the facility at a time when everyone is struggling.