Following several years of disagreement, the City of Torrington and city sewer users outside the city limits, the West Highway Water and Sewer District, may be reaching an agreement.
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TORRINGTON – Following several years of disagreement, the City of Torrington and city sewer users outside the city limits, the West Highway Water and Sewer District, may be reaching an agreement. For years, West Highway users had compensated Torrington for using the service, based on an estimation, until the district installed meters to determine exact usage.
Topping the Torrington City Council meeting agenda Monday, Aug. 14, was a presentation by West Highway’s attorney, Reba Epler, who argued the case for reimbursement by the city for over charging since flow meters were installed in 2014.
The West Highway Water and Sewer District service area extends from the area of ZW Mill on the edge of Torrington, along Highway 26 for approximately three miles, and adjoining users. The district bills its own customers and owns its waste water pipe, so according to the district, it should only be paying for the use of the city’s sewer line, only after the West Highway connection.
A city ordinance provided for the service, and following months of discussions, in January 2017, an ordinance change adjusted West Highway’s bill, basing future charges on the actual flow as determined by two meters, purchased and installed by the district. The monthly bill was then based on the actual flow, measured by the two meters, plus a fee for unmetered customers.
However, the district wants to be reimbursed for the excess payments made between the installation of the meters in 2014 and when the city began charging according to the actual flow. The reimbursement amounts to $58,814.50, and includes an interest rate of 10 percent per annum.
At a flow rate charge of $2.51 per 1,000 gallons, West Highway determined it was over-charged $49,807 over 2014, 2015 and 2016. Including the interest due, $9,007.50, the district voucher for reimbursement is $58, 814.50.