Edwardsport agrees to $20 monthly payment plan for widow’s outstanding water bill after public plea

At the Edwardsport Town Board meeting a representative for Ellie Porter appealed for relief from an outstanding three‑month utility bill tied to a house sale. The representative said the household could not pay the full amount in a lump sum and requested the town accept installments.

The representative explained that Porter is on a fixed income (Social Security) and that the three months’ charges stemmed from leaving water on for inspection during the property sale. Board members discussed responsibility and documentation for the sale and noted town staff had not been informed of the transfer at the time. One board member suggested providing a small monthly payment; the petitioning representative said a $20‑per‑month arrangement would be manageable.

The board confirmed that, as an alternative, the town could pursue collection through the courts, which can set smaller payment terms, but the board agreed to accept $20 monthly to resolve the bill. A town official said the clerk’s office would work with the household on payment arrangements and that if the resident presents documentation showing the buyer was the responsible party, the board could revisit responsibility.

Board members asked staff to communicate with the resident and, where appropriate, accept the agreed payment schedule. The discussion ended without a formal ordinance or resolution; the board characterized the outcome as an administrative agreement to accept installment payments.

The town reiterated its willingness to work with residents on excessive water use charges caused by town operations such as hydrant flushing and offered to coordinate assistance if elevated bills occur because of scheduled maintenance.