Dupont Board approves $100 deposit for new sewer accounts, seeks estimates for Dollar General sewer connection

The Dupont Town Board on Feb. 11 approved a refundable $100 deposit for new sewage accounts as it seeks to limit losses from unpaid final bills.

The measure, prompted by staff reports of multiple delinquent final bills and recent liens, was moved by Member Adams and seconded by President Kevin Burnette; the motion carried. Clerk/Treasurer Robyn J. Meek said the deposit would also apply to customers opening a second or rental account and would be refundable if all bills and fees are paid when the account closes.

Separately, the board discussed a potential sewer connection for a proposed Dollar General store. Sewage staff reported the closest tie-in is at the end of Morgan Trace and that the connection would require boring beneath Highway 7. The board instructed staff to obtain cost estimates and to check whether a scheduled bore for a new sewer line could be coordinated with the Dollar General work to reduce disruption and expense.

Member Adams also reported ongoing maintenance concerns: the pump-house generator required manual operation because the automatic start was not working and an electrician was addressing the problem. Clerk Meek said she has established accounts with two fuel suppliers to ensure diesel delivery when needed.

Background: town staff reported multiple delinquent sewer accounts and several recently executed liens. The deposit vote was presented as a practical step to reduce uncollectible final balances.

Next steps: staff will return with cost estimates for the Dollar General sewer connection and with any updated timeline for the generator repair. The deposit policy will be implemented as directed by the board.