AUBURN -- City councilors met a deal they sought, to fund a watershed inspector, with reservations and frustration. Citing a need for more control, they will air their objections to the county next week.

During Thursday's Auburn City Council meeting, councilors reviewed a contract to fund and supervise an Owasco Lake steward already approved by the Owasco Town Council and Cayuga County Water Quality Management Agency. However, most councilors support having more say with the position, stating the city's role as the main funding source.

"If the city and the Town of Owasco is footing the bill, correct? Why is the county involved in this," councilor Matt Smith asked Bruce Natale, a proponent for the agreement and chairman of the water management agency.

The other two involved parties are the Water Quality Management Agency and Cayuga County Soil and Water, which will offer technical support and supervision.

The agreement detailed paying the $60,000 salary by raising water rates. Pending approval, water customers will be charged 3 cents per 100 cubic feet (750 gallons) or 4 cents per 1,000 gallons consumed. This would allow Auburn users to pay 85 percent, and Owasco users the remaining 15 percent.

For more, read Friday's Citizen