As the Highland Falls Village Board prepares to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the operation of the Highland Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant, the community faces a critical decision about the future of public services. While some may have reservations about privatizing essential facilities, there are compelling reasons to support this approach—especially when done thoughtfully and with proper oversight.

Privatization, as seen with the village’s 2023 decision to contract VRI Environmental for the Water Plant, can bring specialized expertise and efficiency to the operation of vital infrastructure. Running a wastewater treatment plant requires highly skilled management, and private companies, whose sole focus is delivering these services, often have the tools and experience necessary to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, maintain infrastructure, and manage costs effectively. VRI’s current management of the Water Plant provides a glimpse into what could be a more streamlined, unified approach.

There are challenges, of course. VRI was the only bidder for the Water Plant contract and that the privatization ended up being more costly than anticipated. In many cases, though, privatization can lead to long-term savings by leveraging private sector efficiencies, reducing the burden on local government, and minimizing operational risks.

For Highland Falls, the debate over privatization is not just about dollars and cents; it’s about ensuring that essential services are run efficiently, safely, and sustainably. By engaging private operators, the village can focus on oversight and strategic planning, while leaving the technical, day-to-day management of these facilities to experts.

As the village moves forward with the RFP for the Wastewater Treatment Plant, the focus should remain on securing the best possible service for the community. With careful planning and an eye toward long-term benefits, privatization can be a path to better service, greater accountability, and financial stability.