Dozens of residents in Rockland turned out to hear about a proposed water rate hike.

Suez Water wants to increase bills by more than $8 a month.

Part of the increase would cover the cost of an abandoned desalination plant.

County Legislator Harriet Cornell says there's no reason consumers should pay for that.

"Their continued expenses with regard to the pilot program was really something the company decided to do, and that's a risk they take as a company," said Cornell. "It shouldn't really be put on the rate payers."

If approved, the proposed hike would go into effect next February.