A little-known commission in Monroe is netting some elected officials big bucks for overseeing water and sewer services.

According to payroll documents obtained by News 12, three out of four board members and two town employees split almost $30,000 over a two-year period for overseeing sewer services as part of the so-called Moodna Basin Commission.

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus says the payouts are legal and that some Chester village and town officials who are also on the commission are getting stipends, too.

Acting Supervisor Anthony Cardone is questioning why the officials are getting paid extra for doing their jobs.

He says the payout practice has been going on for decades, and adds that elected officials on the commission typically meet four times a year for about an hour. He adds that Monroe Town Supervisor Harley Doles is "getting a stipend every year, the same amount commissioners get, and all he's doing is signing the checks."

Neuhaus says the county can take over the services as part of Sewer District One and save ratepayers the current added expense, but Moodna commissioners need to be on board.

News12 reached out to members of the Moodna Commission. Some said reform is needed, and others said they're getting paid to do a job.