Eureka council wipes $2,500 water arrears for longtime account, updates accounts and appoints planning commissioner

EUREKA — The Eureka City Council on Jan. 12 took several administrative actions: it voted to wipe a longstanding water/sewer arrearage for a resident, updated municipal account signatories, and confirmed a planning commission appointment.

Forgiving an arrearage: Michael (Mike) Smith told the council his property’s water service was inactive after a house fire years earlier and that he had been paying a small monthly fee to retain the meter. City staff said Smith’s account had accumulated roughly $2,500 after the council changed billing to a monthly structure; staff recommended forgiving the arrears and using a standard reconnect fee when the owner returns to service. The council voted to zero out the outstanding balance and require only the reconnect fee when service is restored.

Officials clarified next steps: Staff said the reconnect fee depends on the waterline size (they estimated about $500–$600) and that the city may remove the existing meter so the physical asset is not sitting in place unfairly while other customers pay for service. City staff also said they have historically notified residents about billing changes and will continue those practices.

Bank-account signatories and administrative housekeeping: The council voted to add Mayor Robert Jenkins and Council member Raylene Maxfield to PTIF and America First bank accounts and remove two outgoing officials from those accounts. The motion was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote.

Planning commission appointment and consent agenda: The council ratified Jessica Sevra as a planning commission member by unanimous vote and approved the consent agenda after a short discussion about a $928.37 invoice and concerns about late fees; staff said they are investigating invoicing irregularities.

The meeting concluded after brief committee reports and a motion to adjourn.