Middletown reviews draft ordinance to change water/sewer billing rules and fee structure

The Burgess and Commissioners reviewed a draft ordinance (No. 26.01.01) on Jan. 8 proposing multiple changes to billing, connection fees and rate procedures for water and sewer services.

Key provisions summarized in the minutes: the draft would remove specific dollar amounts from the town code and provide the current fees and charges on the town website instead; update accepted payment methods to reflect current practices; change late fees on water/sewer bills from a percentage to a flat fee; increase disconnect fees; expand the reasons water service may be disconnected to include failure to adhere to the town’s water conservation plan, failure to respond to a meter change-out notice or a broken meter notice, and violations of any town ordinance related to water or sewer services; update water-bill estimation rules; and require that property owners provide an email address and phone number.

Why it matters: The changes affect how residents are billed and how and when service may be disconnected. The Water Sewer Committee had not yet reviewed the draft; the town will circulate it to committee members by email for comment.

Board process: The minutes state this was an initial review; the water/wastewater committee will be involved before the board attempts any formal adoption. No vote or final action was taken at the Jan. 8 workshop.

Next steps: Town staff will send the draft ordinance to the Water Sewer Committee for review and return recommendations to the Burgess and Commissioners.