CITIZEN POWER ALLIANCE

The village board Monday stepped back from its resolution to abolish the 76-year-old Public Utility Commission, which oversees the daily operations of Bath Electric Gas and Water Systems.

A 45-minute public hearing attended by nearly 200 village residents revealed strong local support for the Commission, and village trustees at its conclusion voted unanimously to table a resolution formalizing the Commission’s dissolution.

Former Mayor Larry Bates summarized opposition to dissolving the Commission, noting village board and Commission members have frequently clashed in the past.

“There’s absolutely nothing new ... about village trustees and Commission members being at loggerheads over something,” Bates said. In dissolving the Commission, he warned the board, “You’re getting ready to throw out the baby with the bath water.”

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