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Middletown authority tables proposed water shutoff policy after members cite need for guardrails
Summary
The Middletown Water & Sewer Authority discussed a draft water shutoff policy that would tighten collections practices but paused the measure to allow staff to refine protections for vulnerable customers and provide statutory language and peer examples.
The Middletown Water and Sewer Authority on Wednesday paused work on a proposed water shutoff policy after members said the draft needs clearer guardrails to protect vulnerable customers and more legal review.
Assistant director Theresa presented the draft and outlined proposed collection steps and outreach for customers receiving estimated bills. Director Joe Pizzino and members discussed the utility’s rising delinquencies and possible revenue options; the board cited an outstanding receivables level described in the meeting as about $5,000,000 and recent collections of $164,807.17 as context for the policy debate.
“Does anybody have any questions for Joe or Theresa?” Chair said when opening the item, and members immediately asked for the statute referenced in the proposed resolution so they could review controlling language before acting. The chair later said he wanted a carve-out for an executive session if legal counsel recommends it, because parts of the matter may involve litigation.
Board members emphasized protecting elder and medically vulnerable customers. One committee member said the authority should avoid creating “a public health situation that could be avoided” and urged specific exemptions for customers with health concerns. Theresa described outreach steps the department is taking for estimated bills — letters and door-hangers targeted at accounts receiving estimated charges — and staff said they will continue monthly follow-ups and meter-replacement work.
Members asked Theresa to compile comparative policies and historical responses from other towns, and to circulate the exact statutory language referenced in the draft resolution. The authority moved to table the policy for additional research, asking staff for a more robust version that defines enforcement thresholds, hardship processes and outreach protocols; the motion passed, with one recorded abstention.
The authority asked staff to return with the statute language, examples of peer policies, and a description of proposed customer protections at the next regular meeting.
