Public Works Committee Tackles Utility Relief Policy, Advances Water Resiliency Projects, and Reviews Wastewater Management Plans

Utility Relief Requests and Policy Discussion

The meeting began with a detailed discussion on utility relief requests, focusing on the city's policy regarding water and sewer bill relief due to leaks. The committee reviewed a request that was ultimately denied, as it did not meet the criteria for relief. The policy specifies that relief is only applicable to the sewer portion of the bill if it can be proven that the leaked water did not enter the sewer system. This policy was reaffirmed by Doug Craner, who noted that the city’s approach is unique compared to other jurisdictions in Oregon. The committee emphasized that leaks resulting from homeowner negligence, such as a faulty toilet flapper, do not qualify for relief. The discussion also highlighted the importance of water conservation and the role of infrastructure in leak occurrences.