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> Local News > East Longmeadow > Selectmen looking into water shut-off plan
Selectmen looking into water shut-off plan
By Courtney Llewellyn
Reminder Assistant Editor
EAST LONGMEADOW Town Clerk, Collector and Treasurer Tom Florence met with the Board of Selectmen to discuss a matter of conservation both fiscal and environmental at their June 17 meeting.
Florence has been working with the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Board of Selectmen since before the MUNIS (Municipal Information System) upgrade to begin a water shut-off program in town for those who do not pay their water bills.
"The water shut-off program has been done in other municipalities successfully," Florence said. He listed the nearby examples of West Springfield, Ludlow and Chicopee as some of the aforementioned municipalities.
There are more than $100,000 in unpaid water bills in East Longmeadow right now.
Florence explained that currently, if a water bill is not paid within three months of its due date, a llien will be placed against the property. Under the new water shut-off plan, billpayers will receive three warnings. It would take between 30 and 35 days after the first warning is sent out before the water is shut off.
He added the DPW Board has already approved of this new plan.
Board of Selectmen chair Jim Driscoll said he personally thought the plan was "a great idea."
Selectman Joe Townshend voiced his concerns about shutting off the water during the winter months and the possibility of the lack of water for the elderly or those with special needs.
"We need to be compassionate," Driscoll said. "I agree with the fundamentals [of the plan], but we need to work on the details."
Florence said he was looking to implement the program by Aug. 1 or Sept. 1, to cut down on the number of liens because of unpaid water bills as soon as possible, but added that he, along with the Board of Selectmen, will be looking into special circumstances before moving forward.
"If they are elderly or have special needs, there will be no shut-off," Florence stated. "If there are other hardships, we'll have to go on a case by case basis."
He told Reminder Publications that there are more than $100,000 in unpaid water bills in East Longmeadow right now.
"This is just a kicker to get people to pay on time," Florence stated. "If anything, [the plan] will help people pay their bills. We may be able to help them set up payment plans."
He added that the plan may also aid in the conservation of water if households use less water, their bills will be smaller.
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