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Connell City approves reduced water service charge option for unoccupied properties
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance 1054-2026 to allow qualifying property owners to request reduced water service charges for unoccupied properties, with a $60 annual charge and an added liability clause clarifying the city is not responsible for pipe damage when service is turned off.
Marissa (speaker 7) presented an ordinance to allow property owners to apply for reduced water service charges for qualifying unoccupied properties and to add related liability language to the city's code.
"Before you is ordinance number 1054‑2026," Marissa said, explaining the measure would add a code section to allow reduced water service charges for vacant properties and that a $60 annual charge would apply depending on the request.
Staff noted an added whereas and a cross‑reference to an existing liability section to make clear the city will not accept liability for damage that occurs to a property if the owner requests that water service be turned off. A staff member (speaker 8) summarized the liability language: "If you ask for your wire to be turned off, we're not gonna be responsible for anything that happens to your pipes or whatever." The change was described as typographical and not substantive to eligibility criteria.
Marissa moved to approve the ordinance as amended; the motion was seconded and the chair announced the motion passed and "Ordinance number 1054 passed." The transcript does not record an effective date.
The ordinance establishes city procedures and a modest annual charge for eligible property owners and adds clarifying liability language to the code. Council recorded the motion and directed staff to codify the change.
