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Galesburg council approves $200/month payment plan for disputed $6,826 water bill in 6–1 vote
Summary
After debate over responsibility for a high use read at 111 E. Michigan — including a homeowner claim that a plumber turned on a valve and staff account that a city technician inadvertently broke a pipe while changing the meter — the council approved a $200/month payment plan and waiver of penalties contingent on payments (6–1).
The City of Galesburg council voted 6–1 on Feb. 3 to approve a payment plan for a disputed $6,826.27 water bill for the property at 111 E. Michigan, resolving a months‑long disagreement between the homeowner and city staff.
DPW Supervisor Ranes told the council that in the fall the city read the meter and found high usage. On follow‑up, staff observed significant backyard water and found an underground pipe had been turned on; Roto Rooter was called to repair the pipe and reported no leaks after service. DPW Technician Ellis changed the meter at the home and, according to the clerk’s summary, bumped into a pipe that broke while he was there. Clerk Lisa McNees said the homeowner has made one payment of $360 and reported he can pay $200 per month going forward but disputes full responsibility, asserting the plumber turned the valve on.
Mayor Linda Marble confirmed the total charge is $6,826.27 and said the city has the option to waive penalties and interest. Harnden moved to approve a payment agreement accepting $200 monthly payments, requiring quarterly bills to be paid when due, and waiving penalties and interest from this point forward so long as the monthly payments are made; Tipken seconded the motion. The roll call vote was 6 in favor (Wortinger, Tipken, Frazee, Hawes, Harnden and Marble) and 1 opposed (Stanley Chovanec), carrying the motion 6–1.
Councilmembers expressed concern about setting a precedent for future disputes. Councilmember Glen Hawes asked whether the city broke the pipe; Supervisor Ranes and Clerk McNees distinguished between the city’s work and the specific buried pipe, noting the city still was charged sewer fees by the City of Kalamazoo and that Kalamazoo would not forgive those sewer charges. Clerk McNees additionally said the homeowner could challenge the bill in court but that the burden of proof would be on him.
The approved agreement requires the homeowner to pay the quarterly utility bill when due in addition to the $200 monthly payments; penalties and interest will be waived going forward while the payment schedule is kept.
