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Board keeps payment-plan option, debates prorating, account setup fees and deposits
Summary
The board agreed to retain a COVID-era payment-plan option while reviewing application language; members debated whether to prorate utility charges on property transfers and discussed a $15 account-setup fee or small deposits for new accounts, and agreed to review the code before acting.
Board members reviewed the town’s payment-plan form (originating during COVID) and agreed to keep the option available while staff and members refine the application and approval process.
Chair and staff described how shutoff notices are sent and the calendar for collections; staff said notices in March are sent on the first Tuesday with a deadline later in the month. Members favored retaining the payment agreement as an alternative to appeals, but asked staff to revisit the application to ensure collection and billing specifics are clear. "I feel like we should keep it as an option for someone," the chair said about payment agreements.
On prorating, members debated whether to prorate bills when a home sells or a new home is occupied: some favored starting a new account on the first of the following month to reduce administrative burden; others suggested a 15-day cutoff or a $15 account-setup fee to simplify administration. Committee members suggested researching neighboring communities for common practices and considering a modest deposit equal to one month’s bill or a fixed small fee.
Next steps: staff will review the codebook and comparable local practices, bring recommended edits to the payment-agreement form, and return a revised proposal at the next meeting.
