Clarksburg Sewer Delinquents Urged to Pay Up
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Despite weeks of controversy, a significant number of sewer users still haven't paid bills — some dating back to year before, said Town Administrator Michael Canales.
"Please get in and pay your bill," he told viewers of Wednesday's Selectmen's meeting. Otherwise, be prepared for demand fees, a visit from the deputy collector and, finally, publications of your name and a trip to court.
The town learned in December late payments had left the sewer enterprise fund in the red; that led the state to increase the town's tax rate to replenish the fund to the tune of $30,000. Only a portion of the town is hooked up to the public sewer, which flows to the Hoosac Water Quality District.
The sewer is supposed to be funded solely by the sewer's users — not the town.
"The sewer enterprise fund can't keep coming to the town for money," said Selectman Carl McKinney. "The enterprise fund is going to reimburse the town for the money it loaned it."
It may mean the sewer fund raising rates to make up for those not paying their bills, he said.
While the delinquencies have been piling up late fees and other penalties, the town can't take action until May 1, the end of the fourth quarter billing, because of state law.
"We are living in challenging times," said McKinney. "Call us and we'll try to work with you."
In other business, McKinney suggested selling of two properties to gain some revenue for the town. One parcel, about an acre-lot on the corner of Walker Street and Brook Heights, was taken for taxes but wasn't sold in the last town auction because the only bid, $500, failed to come close to thousands owed in back taxes.
The second lot is about 10 acres on Carson Avenue that had been considered but rejected for the senior housing complex.
Canales said the acre-lot could be put up for sale at any time; the Carson parcel had been donated by the town and town meeting would have to authorize its sale. He noted the Fire Department's fire tower is situated on the land. The Finance Committee. It was decided to further research the issue.
Canales reported that West Road turned into a sinkhole for several days because of rain and weather changes. A car became trapped in the middle of the dirt road truckloads of stone had be hauled in to stabilize the base. The road is currently in passable shape, he said.
He also updated the board on the senior housing projected planned new the Senior Center. Public hearings on the plans will be held on March 25 from 1 to 2 and April 2 from 6 to 7 at the Senior Center. Because the area is zoned for industrial, the Planning Board will approve a special permit that will then be presented to town meeting. The same procedure occurred for the Senior Center in 2001.
Town meeting will also be asked to adjust the tax exemptions for the elderly so home equity in house doesn't disqualify them; increase demand fees and split the revenue between the town and tax collector, who currently receives the entire amount, and change the tax collector to town collector to give the position authority over collecting all delinquent fees, such as fines and tickets.
"What we want is the ability for the tax collector to place these against their properties," said Canales. "It's the biggest tool we have."
