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Resident’s delinquent water bill addressed; donor gift card covers part of balance
Summary
The board discussed options to reduce or waive late fees for a struggling resident. Board members cited a turn-on fee of $50 and penalties of $106; the account balance was cited as $541.99. A donor’s $200 gift card was given to the resident, and staff can apply billing adjustments going forward.
Board members debated whether to waive or reduce late fees for a resident reported to be struggling to pay a $541.99 water bill. Options discussed included applying a credit set for December earlier, reducing future fees, establishing a monthly payment plan, or waiving some penalties.
Minutes record specific fee figures used in the discussion: a water turn-on fee of $50 and penalties totaling $106, with a total amount described as $541.99. Board members expressed concern about setting a precedent for other residents; Deb observed that granting a one-time waiver could create expectations for similar future requests. The minutes note that "Pat can do an adjustment" for billing if the board directs it.
During the meeting a donor provided a $200 gift card. The minutes state that Terri accepted the gift card and paid Alice $200 so the resident’s water bill was covered in part; minutes indicate the donor did not want penalties to be paid from the gift. The board did not record a formal vote to waive all penalties; the minutes record discussions of partial waivers and payment plans and a staff adjustment option.
