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Residents raise sewer-billing questions as council reviews water-pit work and meter upgrades
Summary
Public works staff reported relocation of a water pit at 207 West Charles Street and other maintenance work; a resident (Dylan) questioned why sewer bills were issued for an unoccupied new house; council agreed to review billing records and ordinances and to pursue meter-safety and touch-read upgrades, approving purchase of an additional meter tablet and protective cases.
Public works and utility operations were a focus of the Milan Town Council meeting as staff reported maintenance work and a resident raised concerns about unexpected sewer bills.
Job manager (S3) reported the relocation of a water pit at 207 West Charles Street and said a water valve at the grade school was found partly open; S3 told the council the valve issue was caused by a contractor, not town crews. S3 also listed maintenance work (flags replaced, new pump installed, polymer testing) and mentioned the town’s maintenance program cost of $6,062.
Resident Dylan (S7), introduced by the chair, said he received a $234 sewer bill for a new, unoccupied house. Staff (S8) explained that although a deposit and formal account had not been opened, water consumption records from Hoosier Hills showed usage and the sewer billing was being generated based on that consumption; Clayton Homes had paid the sewer tap fee. Council members asked staff to collect billing records and review the town ordinances governing sewer billing and account setup and to return with findings at the March meeting.
Meter access and equipment: council discussed safety concerns for a makeshift steel-covered meter pit at campground cabins and unread meters inside buildings such as the 54 Museum. Staff and meter readers requested an additional field tablet and protective cases to allow one-day meter runs; the council voted to buy another tablet plus OtterBox cases and screen protectors so staff can split meter-reading duties in the field.
What’s next: staff will assemble the billing records Dylan requested, review ordinance language around account setup and minimum charges, report back in March, and proceed with meter-safety upgrades and the ordered tablet purchase.
