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Newcastle resident asks council to adjust utility bill after hidden leak
Summary
Toby Garrison told the council his meter—located about 200 yards from his house—did not flag a leak until it was large; staff moved to adjust the October–December charges to the 12‑month average and the council approved the utility‑account adjustment motion.
Toby Garrison, a Newcastle resident at 24 South Portland Avenue, told the council he only learned of an extended water leak after city staff called him and that his meter is located ‘‘over 200 yards from my house,’’ meaning he did not notice the problem earlier.
Garrison said he had the leak repaired in early December and asked the council to help with the resulting high bill. Council action followed: a motion was made to adjust the October, November and December usage to the prior 12‑month average for the affected utility account. The motion was seconded and the council carried it by voice/roll call.
City staff confirmed the repair date (12/09) and recommended billing be revised to reflect historical use. Council members asked routine verification questions about repair timing and documentation. The adjustment applies only to the utility account in question and staff noted the change was intended to avoid penalizing a customer who repaired the leak promptly after notification.
The council did not change broader billing policy at the meeting; this action addressed the specific account presented by the resident.
