Council debates draft policy limiting non-town inserts in utility bills

Councilmembers reviewed a proposed utility-billing-insert policy on March 25 aimed at limiting what can be included in the town's monthly utility mailings.

Scott (town staff) explained the policy drafts limits to town business and other governmental entities, noting that the town has only a finite number of billing opportunities each year and that outside requests have increased. Councilmembers discussed whether to permit inserts from nonprofits or community groups that align with the town's mission and goals and whether to levy a fee for inserts that increase postage or staff time.

Several councilmembers recommended a mission-and-goals test tied to the town's comprehensive plan and suggested preapproval by council or town commissions for items outside standard town communications. Options discussed included a flat fee for third-party inserts that require extra postage or staff handling and ensuring inserts do not push mailings into a higher postal class.

Council direction: staff was asked to refine the draft, add language tying eligibility to the town's mission/vision statements or comprehensive plan goals, consider a fee for inserts that increase postage or staff time, and circulate a revised draft by email for council review prior to the next meeting.