Commission waives sewer charge and authorizes payment plan for resident with high bills

Resident Edie Johnson appealed unusually high water and sewer charges totaling about $1,400 for two months, saying the increase stemmed from a basement toilet running while she was recovering from surgery and unable to check the basement. Johnson said she is 79, on a fixed income and had a recent heart attack, and asked for relief.

City staff recommended waiving the sewer portion of the charges and working with Johnson to structure a payment plan for the remaining water charges. A commissioner moved to waive the sewer portion and authorize staff to negotiate a payment schedule; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call. Staff said they would work with Johnson through the end of the year to establish a payment plan and that the city would pursue special assessment procedures only after prescribed collection steps.

The chair encouraged residents to consult the utility office or staff early in similar situations to explore relief options.