BATESVILLE, IN — Batesville City Council heard Monday night from a Lake of The Woods subdivision resident who said she was hit with a nearly $1,000 bill to repair a break in the water line under the street between the main and her tap-in.
EGS Boulevard resident Char Dallas said water utility crews cited policy when it came to repairing the leak, which happened in September.
Council recommended that she address the Utility Service Board when it meets on November 23. Dallas said she plans to attend that meeting.
Dallas added she received a copy of the policy after lodging a complaint about having to pay for repairs under the street.
The policy is not on the books as a city statute, but Dallas plans to try and have the nearly-century-old rules changed.
The policy dates back to 1928.
“They pulled the policy and said, ‘This is what it says’ and, yes, that is what it says but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for the citizens,” Dallas said.
Ultimately, Dallas hopes her efforts result in a positive outcome for all Batesville residents who run into a similar situation in the future.
“I’m hoping to get some policy changes,” Dallas added. “I just feel like if nobody speaks up about it, it’s going to remain the same.”
No one from the Water Utility was present at Monday night’s council meeting.
