Wells Town Council adopts revised water ordinance, grants clerk limited authority on leak overages

The Wells Town Council on July 7 voted to adopt Ordinance 2026-03, revising the town's water department ordinance to bring fee language into compliance with the fee ordinance and state open-meeting requirements. The council's action follows multiple open hearings and months of review.

Staff member (speaker 3) told the council that prior versions of the policy had used a resolution for parts that must be codified by ordinance. "It has to be an ordinance. It can't be a resolution," the staff member said, explaining the change was primarily wording to ensure the water fees are adopted in ordinance form as required. The staff member also said the ordinance adds an option for the town clerk to review and administratively process leak overage adjustments when residents follow the prescribed checklist; an appeal would still go to the council.

Council members said the change is procedural and noted the council held the required public meetings over the last several months. One council member said the updates largely align with previous drafts and focus on clarifying language rather than substantive policy shifts.

The council moved and seconded the ordinance and approved it by voice vote.

Ordinance 2026-03 replaces aspects of Ordinance 2023-07 related to how water charges and hookup fees are established and enforced. The change means specified fees and related administrative processes will be set in ordinance text rather than by resolution, and the clerk will have authority to act on leak-related overage adjustments that meet the checklist criteria. Any dispute may be appealed to the council.