The ongoing class action lawsuit filed by Glen Rock, Midland Park and Wyckoff against the Ridgewood Water utility is set to begin trial on November first in a New Jersey Superior Court. According to Glen Rock Mayor Bruce Packer, the last of the mediation attempts failed during the first week of October. It was the third time the groups has attempted mediation since April. The mayor declined to give further comment concerning the discussions held during mediation, but did say a state-appointed mediator had overseen the proceedings.

The dispute is related to the class action lawsuit brought by the three municipalities on behalf of area residents. It alleges there to be more than $3 million in past overcharges by the utility and claims the Village of Ridgewood improperly applied utility revenues to other areas of the budget. According to the attorney for the plaintiffs in the case, the towns seek a return of the amount officials believe the residents were overcharged.

Following the third attempt at mediation, the plaintiffs’ attorney issued a statement saying “…the mediation process "reaffirmed and reinforced the position of the plaintiff municipalities that the actions taken by Ridgewood in adopting water rate increases in the amount of 37 percent were illegal and unwarranted."

According to the then-Ridgewood mayor, the town is committed to resolving the matter amicably, but intends to defend its position in court and will now do so at the failure of the third and final attempt at mediation. In addition to the failed mediation attempts, there have been several appeals related to the dispute.