Townsend City Council Debates Water Billing Fairness, Sets Fall Fest Solicitor License Rules
Author: Rachael Brug, Staff Reporter
Townsend City Council Debates Water Billing Fairness, Sets Fall Fest Solicitor License Rules
Rachael Brug
Staff Reporter
At its September 2 meeting, the Townsend City Council tackled a water billing dispute and considered adjustments to solicitor licensing for the upcoming Rotary Fall Fest.
The meeting opened with Council approving minutes from August 19 and quickly moved to a letter from business owner Chase Ragen. Ragen requested that the city ordinance be updated to require a 90-day notification period before any changes to city utility billing, arguing that both residents and businesses need time to adjust to new costs. He also sought forgiveness of $414.89 from his laundromat’s water bill, citing delays in scheduling plumbing work after the city changed how it billed for water line size.
Mayor Vickie Rauser clarified that water revenues are allocated strictly to the city’s water fund, not a general fund, and emphasized that multiple public notices and hearings preceded the recent water rate increases. “The city is billing our meter customers according to the line size that feeds the premises. This has to be done because that is the city ordinance,” Rauser said.
Council member Doug Sitton voiced support for Ragen, urging compassion for local businesses. “We need to be more supportive of our business community,” Sitton said. However, other council members, including JB Howick and Angie Wintrow, stressed the importance of treating all customers equally and adhering to established ordinances. The council ultimately voted 3-1 to deny Ragen’s request for forgiveness.
Later, the council reviewed a draft resolution to temporarily suspend solicitor license requirements for vendors participating in the Townsend Rotary Fall Fest, scheduled for October 3–5. City attorney Ed Guza advised that the city avoid favoring one business over another but supported the temporary measure. The proposed resolution would allow only Rotary-approved vendors to operate within the event area and restrict other solicitors’ locations during the festival.
The meeting concluded with council members considering minor adjustments to accommodate the popular Fall Fest car show, aiming to balance community events and local business interests.
