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JOHNSTOWN - Fulton County government officials Thursday objected to a nearly $10,000 Gloversville Water Department bill assessed on eight county-owned properties in the city that the county has scheduled for demolition.

The Board of Supervisors' Finance Committee huddled with two Gloversville water officials at the County Office Building to discuss the bill, which the county says is loaded with penalties and is excessive while the county is trying to help the city with its blight problems.

"Unfortunately, a lot of these places have been vacant for years and we're sitting on water bills that are five years old," said county Treasurer Michelle Ippoliti.

County officials thanked Gloversville Water Department Superintendent Christopher Satterlee and Clerk Christine Linart for attending after the county received a $9,367 water bill for eight county-owned properties the county plans to demolish as part of Operation Green Scene.

Ippoliti asked how the bills could be "so expensive." Officials said county taxpayers will have to pay the bill, which they noted also includes sewer charges.

County-owned properties billed in Gloversville were: 36 Fifth St. - $3,600; 111 Washington St. - $1,041; 119 Washington St. - $871; 10 Phair St. - $1,160; 93 W. Pine St. - $2,061; 94 Forest St. - $542; 36 Burr St. - $43; and 185 N. Main St. - $45.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Callery called attention to the $3,600 bill for 36 Fifth St., noting most of it was penalties. He also said water should be shut off as early as possible so there isn't a chance of a leak.

"I don't think the county should be charged all these interests and penalties," Callery said.

Broadalbin Supervisor Lee Hollenbeck stated, "I would think the Water Board in Gloversville would try to work with the county to reduce these interests and penalties. We've got to work together with that ... It's ridiculous on some of these things."

Ippoliti said that when the county takes title to a property, traditionally the water is shut off and the water meter is removed for properties due to be demolished.

But Satterlee said some of the problems lie in absentee landlords, people vacating a building after water bills aren't paid, and a six-month lapse in time every time a property's water meter is read.

"They're not checking on their properties," he said of some landlords.

County Administrative Officer Jon R. Stead asked why there is still an old "minimum bill charge" assessed even after properties are vacated.

Satterlee said that if the property in question is still under private ownership, the city can go into a home and take the meter.

Stead suggested a "middle ground" be reached in which the county pays a reasonable bill while the Gloversville Water Board and Water Department are covered for services rendered. He said most of the bills emanate from prior private ownership, although the properties are now vacated.

"This is a problem we've got to solve because I'm not comfortable paying these bills," said Bleecker Supervisor David Howard.

Ippoliti said among the concerns she has is the Water Department will shut off water to a property and a tenant will turn it back on.

"How is that possible?" the county treasurer asked.

Ippoliti also asked how a one-family home can use so much water.

Howard suggested the county only be liable for water bills after a 60-day cycle following possession of the property by the county.

"I don't think it's fair to the county taxpayer," he said. "I would appreciate it if you could find some way to limit the county's liability."

Stead said he could send a "proposal" to the Gloversville Water Board, and Satterlee said he will discuss the matter with that board Tuesday night.

Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at johnstown@leaderherald.com.