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Residents ask Morgantown council to clarify vacant‑lot billing; council defers decision
Summary
Residents questioned social‑media posts about charging for empty lots; the council said posts may be incorrect and will revisit a vacant‑lot billing policy at a later meeting, while continuing to charge minimum wastewater, hydrant and stormwater fees for vacant buildings.
MORGANTOWN — Residents at the Aug. 12 Morgantown Town Council meeting asked the council to clarify whether the town would begin charging owners of vacant lots and buildings. Council members said they would study the issue and hold a follow‑up meeting later in the month.
John Gatton and his wife raised a Facebook post claiming the town planned to charge for empty lots; Gatton said his property at Hoosier and Dill Streets has a garage with no water service and asked whether it would be charged. Joe Clephane said his second lot is not vacant according to the GIS map and that a crushed sewer line prevents him from using water.
Council members reminded attendees that social‑media posts may be incorrect and said current practice — charging the minimum wastewater fee, plus hydrant and stormwater fees for vacant buildings — will remain in place for now; no water charges will be added to vacant buildings at this time. The council plans a later meeting to address billing and occupancy details.
The meeting was adjourned by Council President Joe Blevins after public comment.
