ServLine leak-protection program presented to West Union council; ordinance may be needed

A ServLine representative presented a residential and commercial leak-protection product to the West Union Village Council on April 28, describing tiers of coverage, pricing and customer opt-out procedures.

Mike Chambers described three residential coverage tiers (coverages of $500, $1,000 and $2,500) priced at about $1.75, $2.00 and $2.35 per month respectively, and said a combined water-and-sewer product is available. He said the program replaces the utility’s existing leak-adjustment policy and that, under the company’s typical model, residents are enrolled automatically and can opt out within an initial window; the company refunds premiums for residents who opt out within the period. Chambers said commercial rates are higher and that the company can provide a warranty product to cover external water/sewer service-line repairs through local contractors.

Councilmember Chelsea Phelps asked whether participation is mandatory; Chambers said the village can allow residents to opt out and that the company will send a notice paid for by ServLine explaining the program before coverage begins. He said residents are allowed one claim every 12 months covering up to two billing cycles and that claims are paid to the utility to facilitate rapid resident credits.

Mayor Jason Buda said the council will discuss the proposal and asked the solicitor to prepare an ordinance if they decide to move forward. Chambers agreed to email program literature and a proposal for the council to review at the next meeting.

Next steps: Council will review the ServLine proposal, the solicitor will draft an ordinance if the village elects to offer the product, and council will revisit the item at a future meeting.