Public Service Committee forgives 30% of two water bills, offers 12-month interest-free plans

The Gardner City Public Service Committee voted Jan. 30 to reduce two unusually large water bills by 30% of the original amounts and allow the remaining balances to be repaid through 12-month, interest-free payment plans.

Councilor Judy Mack, chair of the Public Service Committee, presided over appeals from owners and a veterans nonprofit who said recent meter spikes reflected leaks now repaired. Owner Anishka Bernini said she bought 197 Nichols Street in May 2025 and that "the first bill ... came out to about $881," adding that a toilet flange and further plumbing work were completed after the spike. Representatives for the Veterans Outreach Center said a $6,000 August bill — about double their average — prompted dye tests and repairs to a slow faucet and slow toilet.

The committee examined consumption histories prepared by the water department showing prior high readings for the properties and a large usage spike between May and August. Members emphasized consistency with past practice: abatements have usually been considered where lost water did not enter the sewer system or where clear evidence showed exceptional, nonrecurring leaks. Staff also noted the green-card history for at least one property showed leaks recorded in 2023.

After discussion about precedent and fairness, the committee approved motions to (1) forgive 30% of the original bill for 142 Nichols Street (Veterans Outreach) and allow the remainder to be paid over 12 months with no interest, and (2) reduce the original bill for 197 Nichols Street by 30% with the same payment-plan option. Both motions passed by voice vote; the motions specified the reduction applies to the original billed amount, not merely the outstanding balance after partial payments.

The committee also initially approved an interest-free 12-month payment plan when 197 Nichols first appeared earlier in the meeting; later procedural action clarified and amended relief amounts so both matters resolved to a 30% reduction plus the 12-month plan. Committee members asked staff to issue new invoices reflecting the adjustments and to provide the paperwork the property owners will receive.

The committee did not identify formal dissent recorded on the floor and approved the motions by voice vote. No council member tied to a named recorded roll-call vote opposed the motions. The committee emphasized that future abatements will be handled consistently and noted a warning that repeated occurrences could affect eligibility for future relief.