Glens Falls water board hears resident billing appeals; one-time credits granted, others tabled

The Glens Falls City Water and Sewer Board on Jan. 5 reviewed a series of resident water and sewer billing appeals, granting limited one-time relief in some cases and tabling others pending further verification.

During the billing portion of the meeting, staff presented a collection of appeals carried over from December and new requests. For 348 Glen Street, staff said the issue stemmed from a sprinkler system and the household requested a voucher for a modest overcharge; the board approved a one-time accommodation and the motion carried. For 112 Bridal Street, staff noted the apparent prorating/closing-credit complexity and recommended checking whether the resident received any credit at closing; the board moved to table that appeal pending verification.

At 39 Prospect Street, department staff reported a mild downstairs leak and a running upstairs toilet; receipts for repairs were provided and staff said the spike appeared to be a one-time event that could warrant a one-time adjustment if usage did not recur. Resident Christine McGee testified about 9 Union Street, saying, “my bill was $1,700 and it's usually like, you know, 2,200,” and staff confirmed photos and meter checks were taken; staff calculated an adjustment using the board’s normal averaging method and will follow up with Ms. McGee.

A rental at 52 Favreaux Street generated a substantially higher account (staff described a $2,000-plus bill in the owner’s account). The property owner said plumbers had inspected the property multiple times and found nothing, but staff’s meter tech later reported the tenant admitted a running toilet for about three months. Board members discussed caps and possible relief but directed staff to verify the timeline and facts before issuing any credit.

A longstanding church account at 66 Staples Street dates to 2016 and has not been re-levied; the pastor asked whether penalties could be released. Staff said the account had not gone to tax levy and that they would investigate whether penalty relief is appropriate and report back, potentially inviting the pastor to a future workshop.

Outcomes at a glance: the board approved a one-time relief for 348 Glen Street; tabled 112 Bridal Street pending verification; directed staff follow-up on 39 Prospect, 9 Union and 52 Favreaux; and agreed to research penalty relief for the church account at 66 Staples Street.

The board confirmed it would revisit unresolved appeals after staff’s follow-up work and closed the billing section of the agenda.