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Council grants partial credit in Sam's General Store utility-bill appeal, splits disputed charges
Summary
After an appeal by the owner of Sam's General Store, the council voted unanimously to grant a partial credit equal to half of the disputed $4,673.86 bill tied to a 2-inch meter that predated the current tenant; council members noted staff authority to adjust bills is limited.
The Saint Helena City Council on June 24 voted to grant a partial credit in an appeal from Dean Properties LLC, owner of the Sam's General Store property at 1400 Oak Avenue.
The property owner, represented by Carl Dean, asked the council to waive $4,673.86 in charges billed between Sept. 27, 2024 and Jan. 23, 2025. Dean said the account was established under a 2-inch meter that likely dated to a prior laundromat; the tenant turned on service quickly when a property owner threatened to shut off water and Dean said city staff initially took several weeks to confirm the cause and advise a meter change. Dean said he ultimately paid roughly $6,000 in plumbing, permitting and backflow costs to downsize the meter to a 5/8- or 3/4-inch meter.
City staff explained the billing timeline: the first bimonthly bill printed Nov. 21 covered usage from Sept. 27 through Oct. 31; later bills mixed days on the 2-inch and 5/8-inch meter depending on the change date. Staff also explained the city manager and city staff have limited authority to adjust bills (the manager—ited a $2,000 limit). Because the requested credit exceeded staff authority, the appeal came to council.
During deliberations the council discussed a reasonable timeframe for a bill adjustment and ultimately agreed a split of the disputed amount was fair given the timeline and staff turnover. Council voted unanimously to grant 50% of the appealed amount as a credit on the account. The motion was made and seconded; roll call was unanimous.
