Uninhabitable Property Policy approved for sewer system

The West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved the Uninhabitable Property Policy submitted by the Warm Springs Public Service District (WSPSD).

The policy provides the framework for the District to bill owners of vacant properties connected to, or located near the sewer line. The Town of Bath and two other customers had filed objections to the policy with the PSC.

In a decision reached on December 17, 2012, the PSC approved the policy and ordered the District to file a tariff including the Uninhabitable Property Policy in the Rules and Regulations section within 30 days of the date of the order.

The board of WSPSD met on Wednesday, January 9 but took no action because the board only received notice of the PSC order the day before the meeting.

Meeting notes
The board held an election of officers. Board Chairman Paul Zorich moved that the current chairman, himself, Secretary Rodney Hovermale and Treasurer Mike Jenkins be reelected for the coming year. Jenkins seconded the motion. The motion was carried by a 2 – 1 vote.

Board member Joyce Altomare voted against the motion. She said as a board member she felt she should be one of the officers. Hovermale, WSPSD General Manager, is not a board member but performs the duties of secretary.

The board then discussed an application made by Betty Harmison for a billing adjustment. Harmison had received a bill in October that was $460 above her normal bill. Her billing is based on the amount of water used as measured by the Water Works.

She claimed the additional water was used to clean up damage from the September 1 flash flood and requested relief.

The board voted 2 – 1 on a Jenkins motion to reduce the bill by half. Altomare voted against the motion. She felt the entire amount should be forgiven.

Altomare proposed another employee should have signing rights or an additional credit card for the office.

Currently Hovermale is the sole processor of a business credit card and Altomare said she was uncomfortable with just one person being able to use the card in case of an emergency.

Jenkins motioned that Hovermale should investigate credit card options and report back at the next meeting. The motion passed 2 – 1 with Altomare voting against.

Zorich said he would research the feasibility of giving year end appreciation awards to employees.