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Council tables ordinance change on water/sewer adjustments after legal review
Summary
After extensive debate about a 12‑month averaging approach and potential affidavit requirements, the board tabled a proposed ordinance to change water/sewer adjustment procedures to allow staff and the attorney to draft formal language for the next meeting.
Board members debated whether to adopt a 12‑month average method for adjusting water and sewer bills after customer‑side leaks, how frequently customers could seek adjustment, and whether an affidavit should be required to document repairs.
Supporters argued a 12‑month average is more customer‑friendly: "If they present a $600 water bill and their bill has been $40 the last 11 months, we're going to average those together," one alderman said. The city attorney highlighted an Attorney General opinion that municipalities are not required to reduce bills for customer‑side breaks but may do so at their discretion; that guidance informed the discussion about drafting an ordinance. The mayor and staff suggested including an affidavit requirement and clearer documentation standards so the board could approve adjustments without risking improper donations.
After discussion, a motion to table the ordinance change until the next meeting passed; staff and the attorney were asked to draft a proposed ordinance, including an affidavit form and proposed frequency limits, for board consideration.
