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Board conditionally approves sewer-billing policy revisions and affirms foreclosure process
Summary
Staff presented redline sewer-billing policy revisions; the board approved the redlined changes subject to written legal guidance that they do not conflict with the existing wastewater ordinance, and agreed to continue established foreclosure notices for delinquent accounts while staff follows up with mortgage servicers.
Livermore Falls — The selectboard reviewed and conditionally approved revisions to the town’s sewer-billing policy and received a staff report on a list of accounts recommended for civil foreclosure.
A town staff presenter said the packet included a redline document reflecting changes discussed at the public hearing and the rate-setting meeting. A committee member asked that the board’s approval be conditioned on written legal guidance confirming the revised policy can be implemented without first amending the town’s wastewater ordinance; the amendment was seconded and accepted by the motion’s mover. The Chair called the vote and the board approved the redlined policy as amended.
On foreclosures, staff highlighted accounts on a paper dated Aug. 11 and told the board they had contacted mortgage-service companies listed on some accounts. Staff described the timing and mechanics: “When somebody doesn’t make a payment after 90 days ... We start the lien process for the 30 day notice,” and noted that a lien matures after 18 months, which becomes the automatic-foreclosure date. Staff also reported contact with third-party servicers including CoreLogic and with Franklin Savings, and said several mortgage companies indicated they were sending payments or would reach out to their customers.
The board discussed whether any listed accounts should be withheld from the auto-foreclosure process and, absent specific reasons to delay, the majority supported continuing the established practice of sending notices and moving forward with the lien process.
What the board asked staff to do next - Obtain the written legal guidance confirming the revised sewer-billing policy can be implemented under the current wastewater ordinance and provide a clean copy of the policy for signatures. - Continue sending foreclosure letters and report back on responses from mortgage companies and on any accounts that require a different legal process.
