The Jonesborough Board of Mayor and Aldermen convened on February 11, 2025, to address several community concerns, with a significant focus on billing issues affecting residents.
The meeting began with a resident expressing frustration over the timing of their water bill. They received the bill just five days before the payment was due, which led to a shutoff notice arriving after the due date. The resident highlighted that this issue was not isolated, as many others in the community reported similar experiences. They urged the board to consider alternative billing methods to alleviate the stress caused by postal delays.
In response, the board acknowledged the challenges posed by the postal service, noting that they send out bills two weeks in advance but have limited control over delivery times once the bills are mailed. The board member shared that they had initiated a new process of delivering bills directly to the Johnson City post office, which has shown promising results, with some residents receiving their bills the next day.
The discussion also touched on the limitations of current billing technology, with plans to implement new software that would allow for electronic billing in the future. The board encouraged residents to utilize the town's website for quicker payments and mentioned the option of auto-drafting payments directly from bank accounts.
Additionally, the meeting featured an update from the police department regarding community engagement initiatives, including the launch of a new newsletter titled "Paws and Blue," which aims to keep residents informed about upcoming events and activities. The police department also announced an annual barbecue fundraiser scheduled for February 28, inviting community members to participate.
The meeting concluded with a reminder of the upcoming K-9 demonstration competition, set for Memorial Day weekend, which promises to showcase the skills of local K-9 units.
Overall, the board expressed commitment to addressing the billing concerns and improving communication with residents, while also promoting community events to foster engagement.