Middletown WPCA agrees to workshop to draft water‑shutoff policy amid collection shortfall

Board members agreed they need a deliberate process to draft a water‑service shutoff policy that balances collections and protections for vulnerable residents. Chairman Brian Gardner emphasized caution, saying the city "could easily create a public health emergency on a small or large scale if this isn't done correctly," and asked staff to develop a framework and hold a workshop with input from the mayor’s office and general counsel.

Several commissioners urged staff to prepare a concrete draft so the issue does not stall. A commissioner noted the authority’s delinquent receivables have grown substantially and that small‑claims prompt action; staff proposed a six‑month timeline to prepare materials and a workshop in February to vet the draft. The board agreed to convene a workshop, have staff prepare the draft policy and supporting legal backup, and return for further deliberation before any ordinance or formal shutoff actions are adopted.