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Thayne council declines to forgive Tharp utility debt; restores water temporarily with conditions
Summary
Rick and Diane Tharp asked the Thayne Town Council to release a utility lien and restore water service after medical hardships; the council declined to forgive the debt but approved turning water on from May 18 until June 22, 2023, contingent on a firm repayment plan and plumber presence.
Rick Tharp, accompanied by his son Cameron, asked the council to release a lien on their house and to restore water service after medical hardships beginning in 2013. The Tharps told the council that monthly utility bills were mailed to PO Box 6835, Jackson, Wyoming, and that late fees and interest accrued under Town Ordinance 8.1.21.
Councilmember Woolley said he would personally prefer to forgive the debt but noted the council must follow town codes and ordinances. An initial motion to restore water beginning May 18 failed for lack of a second. Councilmember Pelletier then moved, and Councilmember Passey seconded, a motion to restore water from May 18 until June 22, 2023, unless a payment plan to cover the entire balance is presented by June 21; the motion passed with Mayor Simpson recorded as opposed. Council directed that a plumber be present when water service is restored.
The council did not approve debt forgiveness; members suggested the Tharps seek government funding assistance. The water-restoration motion’s terms were specific about timing and conditions and included a June 22 shutoff date if fees remain unpaid or funding is not secured.
