Council discusses disconnection policy, fines and reconnection fees amid drought

Council members expressed concern about the severity of water disconnection as an enforcement tool and asked for clearer rules on duration and criteria for disconnecting service. Staff said that under normal nonpayment procedures the town cuts service and customers typically pay within 24 hours; staff also noted the town has not yet defined a distinct disconnection regime specific to conservation violations and will research best practices.

A reconnection fee was cited during discussion as $75 and council members noted fines could be several hundred dollars in addition to reconnection costs. Staff emphasized education and stepped enforcement, and council asked staff to return with a clarified disconnection policy and thresholds before relying on mass disconnections.