Utilities report contractor hits, modest hardship fund as shutoffs resume

County utilities staff told commissioners they are seeing a rise in contractor‑caused service hits and described steps to strengthen accountability while resuming shutoffs for nonpayment.

Jeremy Frost, assistant utilities director, said contractor hits have driven repairs this year: contractor caused water main and wastewater strikes accounted for hundreds of incidents and about $418,000 in repair costs the utility is attempting to recover. He said the department is working with risk management and legal to tighten permit conditions, add deposit or bonding requirements and improve pre‑dig documentation, including photographs and mark‑outs.

Human Services Director Carrie Walsh said the CCU hardship fund — supported by customer donations — held roughly $10,000 as of June 1 and can assist only a small number of households. Frost said the utility will prioritize outreach and begin staged account shutoffs first for commercial accounts, then residential, while providing notice and hardship referral information. Commissioners asked staff to add simple customer notification flyers and web/social posts explaining how to request reimbursement when a contractor causes damage.