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Pierson council begins writing formal water‑bill forgiveness policy after repeated requests
Summary
Council members agreed to draft an ordinance that would document when residents qualify for water‑bill forgiveness, require proof of repair, and limit household forgiveness to one use per year, while allowing full forgiveness for verified service-line breaks between the meter and the house.
Council members at the Town of Pierson workshop on March 5 opened a discussion on formalizing the town’s unwritten water‑bill forgiveness practices, which staff say currently operate on a verbal policy. Rob explained the informal formula: when a resident has a large bill from an undetected leak, staff subtract a six‑month average and the town forgives half of the remainder; cases above $500 are brought to council.
Rob told the council that “people keep coming to council and asking for water bill forgiveness,” and urged the group to convert the practice into a written ordinance so it is applied consistently. Members proposed requiring applicants to submit repair documentation — photos, a plumber’s invoice or receipts for parts — and to keep an administrative log noting the date, address and approver for any forgiveness action.
On eligibility and limits, members favored distinguishing leaks that occur between the meter and the house from in‑house negligence: verified breaks in the service line (for example from a tree root) would be treated more favorably, while in‑house leaks would be eligible for a one‑time annual forgiveness with the town covering 50% of the amount above the six‑month average. Rob said staff will draft ordinance language and parameters and return with a formal amendment for council approval. The council did not take a final vote at the workshop; members directed staff to prepare a written policy and the ordinance language for future consideration.
