By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – In a community that revolves around the insurance industry, the Bloomington City Council has directed its staff to continue developing a plan in which residents would have the option of buying insurance to cover potentially exorbitant costs of water and sewer failures on their property.
Mayor Tari Renner said just last week, he received a $500 water bill from an outraged resident. He’s heard from other property owners too.
“We had a local, prominent politician try to get in touch with both me and (Assistant City Manager Steve Rasmussen) over and over again to do something about a massive water bill,” said Renner.
Soaring water and sewer bills are the first sign of previously undetected leaks. System breakdowns are potentially catastrophic, according to Alderman Amelia Buragas.
“I’m very optimistic that this type of program could provide a level of protection and peace of mind to our residents that they currently do not have,” Buragas said.
City staffers say ServLine, a division of Tennessee-based Sunbelt Insurance Group, is the only firm they could find that offers the protection.
It would cost property owners up $1.54 per month.
There’s more expensive coverage for repairing water lines from the meter to the curb stop, which would cost $4.40 a month, and residential sewer lines connected to public sewer lines at a cost of $6.60 per month.
Aldermen say they want more information, and wish to receive public feedback about the insurance plan.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
