Resident’s appeal halves $600 tampering fee after council finds town lock missing

Hinckley — The Hinckley Town Council on June 18 agreed to halve a $600 tampered-water-connection fee for a resident who said he briefly operated his property’s water service valve during emergency visits.

Seth Draper told the council his property experienced massive leaks the prior year and that, because he lives about 500 miles away, he accessed the service setter valve during short trips to prevent interior flooding and keep plants alive. He acknowledged he did not call town staff but asked for leniency based on a misunderstanding of the local rules.

Council members said town policy prohibits citizens from turning town water service on or off. Council members also noted, however, that the town had not placed its lock on Draper’s service, which contributed to the access. To resolve the appeal, the council offered a compromise: charge Draper $300 (half the $600 fee) and waive additional turn-on/turn-off fees; the town will issue a work order to unlock and restore the water service and Draper must coordinate any future service changes with town staff. Draper said he intends to install an isolation valve to avoid future problems.

Why it matters: The decision balances enforcement of town rules with acknowledgment of municipal oversight (the missing lock). It clarifies that residents must coordinate service changes with the town and that the town will handle physical access when requested.

What’s next: The town will issue the work order to restore service and Draper will coordinate future water service turn-on/turn-offs with town staff.