Binghamton city councilman Joe Burns doesn't want Veolia to be hired to audit sewage treatment plant maintenance operations.

Burns, who is the Democratic candidate for mayor, issued a statement on Monday calling for the selection of an "independent company without a vested interest in the potential outcome of any audit of the plant."

Republican Mayor Richard David wants Veolia to conduct the review at the facility owned by Binghamton and Johnson City. The company would be paid more than $66,000 for the audit.

Burns said Veolia "has both equipment installed at the plant and an active bid to privatize plant operations." He said that "represents a significant conflict of interest" that would preclude the company from impartiality in a conducting a review.

A special city council meeting to vote on the Veolia contract was canceled. A company representative has been invited to attend a council work session next Monday to answer questions from lawmakers.

Johnson City Mayor Greg Deemie and Binghamton Mayor Richard David at the Vestal Road sewage treatment plant on June 13, 2019. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Johnson City Mayor Greg Deemie and Binghamton Mayor Richard David at the Vestal Road sewage treatment plant on June 13, 2019. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 772-8400 extension 233.

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