Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utility Billing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board discusses overdue water bills and whether to raise door‑notice fee
Summary
Town administrator reported about $45,000 in overdue semiannual water bills and said shutoff notices will go out Aug. 1. Board members questioned whether the $20 door-notice fee covers staff time; staff said a shutoff and turn-on cost $125 each and agreed to review fees during the fall budget process.
The Dalton administrator told the Select Board that semiannual water bill arrears total about $45,000 and said staff plans to prepare shutoff notices for distribution beginning Aug. 1.
Why it matters: The administrator said unpaid balances are about $45,000 and that the current door-notice fee is $20. Board members and staff discussed raising that fee to better reflect staff time; the administrator said it may be appropriate to consider amounts such as $50, and reminded the board that the operational cost to perform a shutoff is $125 and another $125 to restore service.
Board members pressed on consumer behavior and collection incentives, noting that a low notice fee can encourage residents to delay payment until a later, costlier stage. The Chair said the town last reviewed fee levels around 2005 and recommended a fall review of late fees and associated procedures. Staff said the town provides 15 days after a notice before shutting off service.
Next steps: The board agreed to set aside time in the fall to review fee structures and to consult nearby communities for comparable tariffs. Staff will prepare shutoff notices for eligible accounts on Aug. 1 and will provide updated financial reports next week.
