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Council forgives $300 in late charges and approves six‑month payment plan for resident
Summary
The Westfir City Council agreed Oct. 22 to forgive $300 in late service charges for Ashley Purzina and set a six‑month payment plan of $183.21 per month on a $673.27 balance, stopping further service charges while the plan is in force.
The Westfir City Council on Oct. 22 approved forgiving $300 in late water service charges for resident Ashley Purzina and authorized a six‑month payment plan to bring the account current.
Nicole, the city recorder, told the council there was no written request on file but that the account’s service charges since February totaled $447.20 and the total balance was $673.27. Council members discussed precedent for forgiveness in hardship cases and weighed recommended forgiveness amounts. One staffer recommended a modest reduction and a payment schedule rather than full forgiveness.
Purzina described the household’s hardship: “So when I moved in, Ben was already behind, and I didn't start working until May or June for the Westport Lodge… He lost his job due to his back injury,” she said, noting both she and Ben are seeking part‑time work to catch up. After discussion, a councilor moved to forgive $300 in late fees; that motion was seconded and carried. Mayor Watson and multiple councilors voted in favor; Councilor Morricade announced an abstention because of a personal relationship with Ashley. The council then established a six‑month payment plan. Staff calculated the monthly payment at $183.21, with the condition that the account remain current during the plan. Nicole said that while the payment plan is active, “the service charges are stopped,” preventing further late‑fee accrual.
The council directed staff to prepare a written agreement for Purzina to sign and asked that she keep the city informed about changes in employment. The agreement will be mailed or emailed to Purzina and the council will monitor compliance. The council did not adopt any new formal policy changes on forgiveness — members framed the action as a one‑off hardship accommodation rather than a change to city rules.
Next steps: staff will send the payment agreement to Purzina and implement the six‑month plan; the council may revisit policy guidance on forgiveness in a future meeting if patterns emerge.
