In recent months, the City of Severy has seen an increase in open utility accounts. During recent meetings, City Clerk Tessa Riggs has shared with the council that several residents have been making partial payments, but are still leaving a substantial amount of their monthly bill unpaid.
The City of Severy has approximately 160 users, and the average monthly water/sewer/trash bill is $103.50 per residence. In the last two months, Clerk Riggs has seen the delinquent accounts surpass $4,500 in pastdue balances.
The council planned to review ordinances regarding the utility services to ensure they note that service can and will be discontinued even when partial payments are made on the account. Ordinance 435, which was approved in October 2022, notes in section four that “failure to make full payment on or before the due date is subject to notice of delinquency served by regular mail.” e.1).
It further states, “at the discretion of the city clerk, written notice of pending disconnection or elimination of a utility service may also be provided.” Those delinquent or partial payment accounts are also subject to a 10% late charge. That percentage will be assessed to accounts when they remain delinquent for 21 days after the initial date of billing. The City of Severy invoices their utilities on the 25th of every month. Services that are disconnected are also subject to a $75 reconnection fee.
In recent months, Clerk Riggs hasn’t discontinued services on those that have made partial payments and asked the council for more specific guidelines before doing so. City Attorney Alleen VanBebber planned to review the ordinance and return to the council.
Nov. 4 Regular Meeting During their Nov. 4 regular meeting, the council approved the Oct. 7 meeting minutes, the treasurer’s report and bills, totaling $43,879.51. The bills included a $17,563.68 payment for APAC.
Water Superintendent Paul Schmidt noted the sewer lagoon culvert had been installed and additional stones had fallen over in the north side of the cemetery. Schmidt also reported that North Kansas Avenue is starting to have issues and needs small patches filled in. He also gave an update on the water plant.
The council held a 10-minute executive session for personnel matters with Clerk Riggs and Treasurer William McClendon. No action was taken.
In new business, it was shared that Bryan and Darla Hampton purchased a vacant lot and have submitted a written request to have an address assigned to build a new home within the city limits. Clerk Riggs forwarded the request and map to City Attorney Van-Bebber for review. It was noted that a plat town map from Greenwood County was to be requested. The council approved the request with the address to be determined.
Clerk Riggs reported that the Community Fisheries Assistance Program (CFAP) has some changes to their contract. Due to recent budget cuts, the lease contract will be terminated on Dec. 31, and the city will no longer receive a payment of $1,030. The city is still eligible to apply for CFAP Capital Improvement grant money for projects that will improve city property.
A request from Elk County Wrestling was presented. It was noted that the council agreed earlier in the year to donate to the Elk County Community Foundation.
A 20-minute executive session was held for legal matters with Attorney Van-Bebber, Clerk Riggs and Treasurer McClendon. No action was taken.
Council member Rodger Kraft questioned the status of the bridge on West Market Street. After much discussion, the council decided to put concrete blocks on the road and start doing groundwork to see what size of culvert would be needed. Council members Marc Warren and Kraft will serve on a committee to oversee the project and will report back to the council.
Council members Ron Robert and Kevin Klepper were absent.
Oct. 7 Meeting
The Severy City Council also met on Monday, Oct. 7 for a routine regular monthly meeting.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the council approved the Sept. 5 special meeting minutes, Sept. 2 regular business meeting minutes, September 2024 bills, and the treasurer’s report.
Water Superintendent Schmidt gave his report.
Clerk Riggs shared that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) was asking for a trifold to be mailed to the properties that did not fill out the survey, the unknown lead and copper status and the properties that have acknowledged they have lead and copper.
Severy resident Roy Higbee asked the council to annex his property from the city limits, noting taxation at both the city and county level. He submitted a letter to Clerk Riggs earlier in the month; however, Attorney VanBebber noted that the letter needed to be more detailed. She also mentioned this was a legal issue and Higbee should contact his attorney. No additional discussion was held.
Clerk Riggs stated she had sent in special tax assessments, totaling $12,545.01 to the Greenwood County Clerk’s Office. These fees have been accrued by property owners not mowing or delinquent property taxes. The breakdown was $9,150 for mowing expenses and $3,395.01 for delinquent utility bills.
Clerk Riggs reported in the utility ordinance that every October the council needs to review it for the next year’s budget. She also mentioned that the delinquent utility bills need to be addressed again, but the policy needs to be more strict on customers who are paying only partial payments in order to not get shut off.
The council held a 10-minute executive session for attorney- client matters with City Attorney VanBebber and Treasurer McClendon. No action was taken. A second 10-minute executive session was held, also for attorney-client matters, but with the addition of Clerk Riggs joining. No action was taken. A third 10-minute executive session, for the same purpose, was held with Treasurer McClendon, Clerk Riggs and Water Superintendent Schmidt. No action was taken.
Mayor Donna Wiss and council member Ron Robert were absent from the October meeting.
The next scheduled meeting for the Severy City Council is Monday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m.
