Council waives $114.58 late fee after high water bill tied to leak

Council discussed a resident’s unusually high water bill that resulted from an ongoing leak. Council Member M. LaFleur asked whether relief could be provided; the finance officer said late fees can be removed and payments may be permitted to avoid shutoff. The council voted to remove the $114.58 late fee (motion by M. LaFleur, second by J. Casper); recorded votes were yes from Casper, LaFleur, Lokhorst, Nelkie and Stokely, with Boulware abstaining.

The water/wastewater department reported the leak was located, water was shut off to the residence while repairs were made, and service was restored after the leak was fixed. Council did not adopt a formal policy change at this meeting—this was an account-specific relief action recorded in the minutes.