ETNA GREEN – The Etna Green town council Tuesday approved the possibility for residents to appeal the payment of their utility bill for a few days.
Town attorney Jay Rigdon mentioned that customers of government-owned utilities have due process rights in terms of disconnection of utilities. In order for due process rights to be satisfied, and a customer receives a notice of disconnect, they must have a forum where they can appeal it.
Normal billing of utilities are issued at the first of the month. The bill is then due on the 15th. On the 16th, penalties are assessed and the notices of disconnect will be issued to those who have not paid on time.
The customer has seven days to appeal their bill. A decision will be made if the appeal has been granted three days before the disconnection date.
The appeal can be issued if the customer feels that their bill is overcharged, they need extra days, they have been on vacation and other similar reasons.
The appeal also must be in a written form. No emails or phone calls will be accepted.
Town council president Keith Claassenn was chosen by the council to be the appeal hearing officer.
After some discussion, the town council approved the process of appealing.
The town council also approved the closing of South Walnut Street for “A Day in Etna Green.”
Robin Claassenn came to speak for Cinda Julian and Merrill Stouder for the July 28 event.
The street will be closed from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Twenty-three vendors including food, arts and crafts and local organization tables have already been confirmed. Singing events also will take place in Remembrance Park.
Claassenn also requested Etna Green fund a port-a-potty for the day at the cost of $85. The council discussed and decided they would pay for two port-a-potties at $85 each.
Council vice president Andrew Cook discussed the possibility of funding the roof repair for the waste water treatment plant. The roof was damaged after the recent storm.
Cook received two different quotes for the repair. A basic repair would cost $2,500 whereas completely replacing the roof would cost $16,825.
The council decided to discuss where the funding would come from on a later date.
Utility clerk Eileen Hall brought up that there has been a voluntary water reduction mandate issue.
Citizens have the option to reduce their water use by 10 to 15 percent. The council sees no emergency at the current time to completely stop water use.
The council also discussed the State Board of Accounts Audit for the 2010-2011 year. According to Hall, everything came out well.
Meetings for the 2013 budget hearing are scheduled for Sept. 11 and Oct. 9.
