Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Billing Abatement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves payment plan and interest waiver for homeowner billed after billing error at 569 Elm St.
Summary
The Board of Public Works voted to work out a payment plan and waive interest for a property owner who received back-billed water and sewer charges after bills were sent to a prior owner's address; the board instructed staff to confirm the two‑year billing limit and remove interest charges.
The Board of Public Works approved a superintendent recommendation to work with the property owner of 569 Elm Street on a reasonable payment plan and to have the collector’s office waive interest after a multi-year billing error.
Tim explained that the account had not been billed during an extended renovation and that when the water division discovered the issue it billed back two years of usage (about $2,187.09) to the current owner and identified approximately $1,778 in sewer charges for the two‑year period. Tim recommended limiting billing to the two years of available reads, removing any interest charges, and establishing a reasonable payment plan.
The property owner (identified in town records as Mr. Mahalland and who spoke during the meeting) said he purchased the house in late 2022, had a tenant who was contractually responsible for utilities, and never received prior bills because they were sent to the former owner. He said the water had been shut off shortly after he received the cumulative bill. The board approved Mr. Gier’s motion to follow the superintendent’s recommendation; the chair seconded and the motion passed by recorded vote.
Tim said staff would report back on progress at the next meeting.
