Blackstone Town Council has agreed to let a little-known “Utility Appeals Board” study a complaint by Lisa Kelly of Luke Street involving a high water bill earlier this year caused by a leak.
Discussion at Council’s Oct. 21st meeting became lengthy with no consensus, and Town Manager Philip Vannoorbeeck recommended the dispute go to an Appeals Board, which no officials appeared to know existed.
Vannoorbeeck said the panel includes Eddie Nash and Tommy Watkins and that it meets once or twice a year.
Mayor Ben Green appreciated that information but said he’d feel more comfortable if Coun- cil heard a recommendation from the panel and that Council make the final decision.
Green said he supports a clear, consistent process, “And I don’t want unelected officials waiving fees. That’s just my opinion — it’s totally up to the Council.”
Councilman Chris Page moved to waive Ms. Kelly’s sewer charges but that motion died for lack of a second. Councilman Wes Gormus said such a motion is premature until Council gets more information about where the estimated 52,800 gallons of treated water went this past January.
Council later approved a motion, 6-1 with Page dissenting, to refer the matter to the appeals board, which was established about four years ago.
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