Council forgives one-time utility charges after resident questions $230 bill

A resident who recently moved to Ranlo told the council she received a $230 water bill for her new house even though the water was disconnected before she moved in and she had not used the service. The resident said she also paid a $50 reconnection fee and asked why she was billed when she could not access the water.

Town staff explained the town pplies a minimum monthly charge that covers water, sewer, trash and stormwater even if no gallons are used; late fees apply after the 15th of the month and accounts not paid by the 25th are disconnected, with a $50 reconnection fee added. Staff said payment plans, a one-time account forgiveness and other remedies are available, and that the board has the authority to waive charges by majority vote.

After members discussed whether a waiver is appropriate while the resident does not yet occupy the house, a council member moved to grant a one-time forgiveness for the resident nd the motion was seconded and carried. Staff said the town—an also offer payment-plan options and that the one-time forgiveness is a policy limited to one use per account.

The council did not change its minimum-billing policy at the meeting; staff said the town posts its service availability and fee schedule online and that residents with similar questions should contact the utilities office to review account-specific options.

The council then moved on to the next agenda item.