Town of Malta seeks to purchase Saratoga Water Services

According to Saratoga Water Servies Inc., the legacy-owned water company, operated by the Luther and Mackay families, has entered into an agreement with the Town of Malta to sell the water utility to the town. The Town Board unanimously approved the acquisition, however, the sale will be decided by ratepayers in a voter referendum, on July 1.

MALTA, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- According to Saratoga Water Servies Inc., the legacy-owned water company, operated by the Luther and Mackay families, has entered into an agreement with the Town of Malta to sell the water utility to the town. The Town Board unanimously approved the acquisition, however, the sale will be decided by ratepayers in a voter referendum, on July 1.

According to Saratoga Water Servies Inc., property owners in the water company's Malta services area will vote on the proposal. The company expanded alongside the town of Malta over its long history and maintained the ratepayer's water supply to meet and exceed New York state standards for drinking water.

The proposed sale comes on the heels of Saratoga Water Servies owner, Alec Mackay, looking to retire and hand off control of his family business that they've run for over 45 years. Full details of the sale are available on Saratoga Water Services' website.

“My family has proudly supplied the Malta area’s drinking water since 1978. As a member of the
community, it is my desire to sell the company to the town of Malta, instead of selling to an
outside entity which may not understand nor care about the needs of local residents,” said
Mackay. “Our family anticipates a smooth transition which keeps water customers top of mind.”

“The Town of Malta is very excited about the purchase of Saratoga Water Services,” said Town
of Malta Supervisor Cynthia Young. "We believe that it is in the best interest of residents for the
municipality to own the system. With this purchase, Malta will be in a position to control
development and directly regulate the cost of water for ratepayers.”

“I am in strong support of moving forward with this sale, as the agreement will allow for the
continued stability of our water system and ensures a reliable water source for all firefighting
needs,” said Malta Ridge Fire Chief Peter Shaw. “Having developed a good working relationship
with Alec over the years, I wish him a very happy retirement.”