Buyer asks council to waive $5,000 tap fee; council to check maps and ordinance

A prospective buyer attending the June 16 Edwardsport meeting asked whether a water meter or hookup exists on lot 110 East Harrison and whether the town could waive or reduce the tap‑on fee.

Town staff told the buyer that standard policy requires a tap fee (the transcript records a $5,000 figure) and that, historically, the town’s hookup policy and rates were set as part of a grant/loan agreement and recorded in the town ordinance. Staff said owners were responsible for any costs above the $5,000 standard amount and that the town would check historical maps and records to see if a connection or meter box already exists on the lot.

When the buyer described financial strain and asked if the fee could be waived or paid in installments, council members said they would review the ordinance language and look into payment options; they noted the town may be contractually bound by earlier loan terms. No formal waiver or payment plan was approved at the meeting; staff were directed to investigate and report back.

The council also clarified that the sewer charge is a fixed monthly amount under the loan arrangement and that some hook‑up costs historically included material and labor beyond the tap fee.