Fairfax Water Bills

[Chris Santee]

Should the Fairfax Selectboard add a $25 late fee to delinquent water accounts ?

This question is just from me, not the Board.
Official Board news will come from Stacy Wells.

[rod anode]

i guess it depends on how late would be my answer

[Chris Santee]

two months.

[rod anode]

yep

[MikeF9]

Hey Ed-Are you on the Fairfax Water System? I thought you lived in Fletcher. I don't think the water lines go that far.
If you aren't on the system, why are you chiming in on this subject? It has nothing to do with you.
Should be a poll for people who are ON the Fairfax Water System.

I don't throw my weight around telling Fletcher what to do.

Usually, if you miss a payment, you get a letter saying your water will be turned off. They don't do that anymore? Doesn't matter to me, I always pay on time.

[rod anode]

my rental property is

[mkr]

Well I don't live in town, but pay taxes to the town.....  I would say deliquent payments of 60 days seems fair to me.  Chris is this becoming more of an issue to ask the question?

[Stand Alone Defense]

Seems fair to me!! 60 days is pretty late.

[Henry]

The latest Selectboard Minutes make some mention of this problem

[trussell]

I way outside of the water district, but I'm just curious- what's the average water/sewer bill?

[Chris Santee]

It has become an issue with about 60 delinquent accounts per billing period.

Really rough number for average water bill is just under $150 (remember there are a lot of variables, it is by usage).

We decided a $25 late fee on accounts 30 days past due was not unreasonable. Watch for a Public Meeting Warning on this.
Please check the official minutes to verify.

and PLEASE understand,

posts from Chris Santee are from Chris Santee and posts from Stacy Wells are official posts from the Fairfax Selectboard.

When I ask a question here, it because I want to hear from you on issues. You can also call me at 782-0406.
You can also e-mail me at csantee@myfairpoint.net. You can also send me a letter by U.S. Postal Service at:
PO Box 86, Fairfax, VT 05454 or say what's on your mind when you see me at games, or in the stores.

I appreciate everyone's input as I try to do the best job possible representing YOU !

[ohhman]

Under $150??!! Not sure how many people in the house that is based on, but I wish my bill was that low!! Oh well, in answer to your question, from someone that has been a water user for 29+ yrs in Fairfax, & who has paid her bill on time, YES!!! the late fee is reasonable, but good luck getting it, especially if the people aren't paying to begin with!  I remember back a few years, there was some not paying & the town went to court to have it enforced, & it still was not paid!! And, you can't shut the water/sewer off if there are kids & other reasons, & unfortunately, some know how to use/abuse the system.

[LauriH]

Is that per month?!  I have never had to pay a water bill.  $150/month on top of our other utilities?  I don't think we could afford to live in the village.  What are the sewer bills like.

[Chris Santee]

That's quarterly (every three months) and it's based on gallons of usage, not people.
(I wish mine were $150 also).

That's the total = water/sewer combined (and it's rough).

Tomorrow, I will try to get some info on the Bond's status.
The water users have made an investment in their properties.

And while we have this water thread going on,
I'd like to thank Randy DeVine and Paul Langelier,
the heart and soul of the Fairfax Water Department,
these guys climb down holes, in the rain,
and help provide fresh drinking water for my family everyday.

If only I could "blink" some over to the folks in Japan.

[trussell]

Thanks Chris. I didn't mean to stir up anything, I just really didn't have any idea how much people pay! Wow, glad I have my own well too!