Service department reports heavy winter workload; council asks for map of water-main breaks

City Manager Jack Finch told council the service department has been “very, very busy” handling multiple snow-and-ice events, water-main breaks and equipment maintenance over recent weeks.

“We've also been, replacing and repairing multiple water main breaks as a result, you know, the winter months. We've also been able to pick up a new service department truck,” Finch said, and he noted crews hauled gravel, cold-patched potholes and received a delivery of about 150 tons of salt.

A council member asked whether the city tracks where water-main breaks occur; Finch said staff will compile a map and provide the information. “I'll talk to Joe and I'll provide that information to you guys as soon as I get it,” he said.

Finance Director Michelle Brent described the assessment process tied to delinquent utility bills. She said letters are sent to property owners with outstanding balances and that utility charges remain with the property: “It's an assessment on your property tax bill.” Brent said property owners who fail to pay utility bills may incur additional county fees if the assessment is handled through the county process.

Brent added that many delinquent accounts are tied to landlords rather than current occupants and that the city mails multiple notices to account holders in many cases; she encouraged prospective home buyers and realtors to check for outstanding utility charges on a property before closing.

Finch and staff said they will provide council a breakdown or map of water-main break locations after coordinating with the service department.