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Resident tells council she was hit with $17,000 water bill and asks for relief
Summary
Amy Smith told the town council that a hidden leak at her trailer produced a $17,000 bill; she asked whether forgiveness, grants or payment plans exist. Council members said they would investigate and follow up.
Amy Smith, identified by the chair as a public item, told the council she found a leak near her trailer after the snow melted and was later billed $17,000 for water usage. "That is $17,000. I'm a single mom," she said, adding she cannot pay that amount and would be willing to pay a standard month's bill.
Council members asked clarifying questions about timing and prior actions to shut off water, and a member said staff would take time to investigate and get back to her. The chair asked for dates and confirmed prior crew visits to shut off flow to her trailer; officials acknowledged the town's utility office offers a $100 credit program but agreed that amount would not address a four-figure or larger balance.
Amy Smith described noticing higher bills for two months before the major charge and said a toilet leak earlier might have explained a smaller increase. Town staff said they would review billing dates and any available assistance programs and follow up with her directly.
