Amnesty period for illegal hookups to expire Aug. 15

August 10, 2006|by ERIN CUNNINGHAM

HANCOCK - An amnesty period for illegal residential water and sewer users in the Town of Hancock will expire Aug. 15.

Property owners must comply with ordinances pertaining to water/sewer hookups by that date, Town Manager David Smith said during Wednesday night's town meeting.

During a March meeting, Smith estimated that 6 percent to 20 percent of people are using the town's water and sewer service without paying for the hookup.

He said Wednesday night that all but a few have arranged to have the work done on their property to comply with the town code.

The offer applied only to customers with current residential accounts. Tap fees will be reduced by 50 percent if residents comply before the amnesty period expires, Smith said. The normal fee is $5,000 for a new water or sewer user.

According to a written release, the amnesty period is designed to encourage voluntary compliance with current hookup laws, and give property owners an opportunity to make arrangements if multiple units share a meter.

Owners are encouraged to apply for service at town offices, so work may be scheduled. Work on all private property must be completed by Aug. 15, Smith said.

If grinder pumps are required, the property owner will be responsible for costs associated with that installation.

For details about the amnesty period or arranging for a water/sewer hookup, call Town Hall at 301-678-5622.

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