It is a bit humorous that the North County Water District is taking the advice of Chautauqua County when it comes to its decision on rates. During a meeting this month, the board backed away from a 40-cent increase per 1,000 gallons used after a discussion with one of the Chautauqua County Legislature committees.

Dan Pacos, district chairman, and Pacos and Kathy Tampio, district clerk, met recently with the panel and “they agreed with us that we don’t need to raise our rate,” he said. That was a generous response, but we believe it is a bit worrisome.

As the North County Water District has noted, since its beginning it has run a deficit. Maybe aiming for a surplus — even on the backs of users at a lower hike– is a fiscally better way to look at running the operation.

Fredonia’s maligned water system also is running a deficit — and has no funds to upgrade or repair its aging water system. That’s been more than troublesome for the users, who are consistently punished by boil-water orders.

There’s solid leadership on the water district board. It is possible that first instinct to raise fees is more honest and accurate.

Remember, the Chautauqua County’s elected officials in Mayville love to play a shell game with its $294 million budget proposal. The county executive’s plan, for instance, includes an increase in the tax levy while the rate goes down.

There’s lots of pats on the back in Mayville for the flawed math. But the reality is if the levy is going up, it means there’s more reliance on funds from property owners.

Why play the numbers game with rate payers? Most are appreciative to know the reality of the situation.