East Lyme Denies Commercial Sewer Bill Relief After Vandalism Leak

EAST LYME, CT — The Water & Sewer Commission declined to reduce the sewer portion of a commercial utility bill after determining that doing so would conflict with its existing policy, despite the property owner's claim that vandalism caused a water leak that generated thousands of dollars in charges.

During its June 23 meeting, commissioners heard from Basem Dahdal, owner of the property at 263 Flanders Road, who said an unused outdoor restroom had been vandalized, leaving a toilet running unnoticed and resulting in an approximately $8,000 water bill and a $4,611.50 sewer bill. Dahdal said he repaired the leak after it was discovered and asked the commission to forgive the sewer charges because the incident was beyond his control.

See Also: East Lyme Selectmen Make Decision On Police Union Contract; Leaf Blowing To Begin Earlier

Staff reported the property's typical water use is about 28,000 gallons but that the leak resulted in roughly 400,000 gallons of usage. Commissioners said East Lyme's "1-in-10" adjustment policy applies only to water charges and does not provide sewer adjustments for commercial accounts. Members also expressed concern that granting an exception would establish a precedent.

The commission voted unanimously to approve the water adjustment under the existing policy, deny relief on the sewer charges and authorize staff to work with the property owner on a payment plan if needed. The vote was 8-0.

Commissioners also approved a $1,985 payment to Tighe & Bond for work related to the town's Water Supply Plan.

Finance reports presented during the meeting showed the water fund had collected 104.25 percent of its budgeted revenue, while the sewer fund had collected 96.94 percent of budgeted revenue through mid-June. Staff reported both utilities remain in stable financial condition despite pending interfund transfers.

See Also: East Lyme Zoning Commission Approves Dock, Taekwondo Academy; Rejects Dog Park Proposal

The commission also approved two capital funding transfers. One transfers $89,241.40 from the water operating budget to purchase a new pickup truck and plow. The second transfers $132,000 from the sewer operating budget to purchase a Mason dump truck body, two grinder pumps and two automatic transfer switches. Both motions passed 8-0.

In other business, commissioners authorized the chair to sign the fiscal year 2027 maintenance agreement with the Spinnaker Association for its sewer pump station. Staff said the annual agreement reflects a 5 percent increase tied to the Consumer Price Index. David Zoller recused himself from the vote, and the motion passed 7-0 with one abstention.

Chairman Dan Cunningham also updated the commission on the Connecticut Department of Transportation's Route 161 bridge project, saying the new commuter parking lot is expected to open soon and that the overall project remains on schedule for completion by the end of November. Staff also reported progress on plans to relocate and expand the Bride Brook Sewer Pump Station and said work has begun on a 10-year capital improvement plan for future water and sewer projects.