Auburn residents who are behind on their water bills will likely have a chance for a formal appeal before the city turns off their services.

The city council will vote today on a measure that would allow homeowners or tenants to request a due process hearing after they receive notification of their delinquent water payments.

According to Corporation Counsel John Rossi, the ordinance would change the city code to align with state public service laws. “Anyone who is going to be deprived of municipal services should be entitled to a hearing on the matter,” Rossi said, referring to the state regulations.

Currently, residents who have a delinquent bill of more than $20 receive a first notice on the matter. If the bill is not paid in 30 days, they are given 10 more days to respond before the city shuts off the service.

City council passed a law in August 2007 approving the policy. But Rossi said it can cause some issues, especially for residents who are unaware that their landlords are behind on their bills.

If today's ordinance is passed, either a resident or the homeowner will be able to request a hearing in writing with the city manager's office. At the hearing, Rossi said, the customer can address questions of economic need, possible inaccuracies in the bill, or other issues.

“We are trying to get through this process and be fair to everyone,” Rossi said. “Unfortunately in these economic times, (people becoming delinquent on their water bills) may become more prevalent.”

Since the city instituted the water policy, it has terminated some residents' water service. But city officials have also been willing to work with residents on a one-on-one basis to avoid shutting off water, Rossi said.

The city will still do this for people who wish to resolve such issues without holding a hearing, he continued.

“Generally, folks here at city hall are very accommodating and try to help people as much as we can,” Rossi said.

“But the bottom line is that the services have to be paid for,” he said.

Councilors will also vote today on a resolution to request proposals to refurbish a pumper truck for the Auburn Fire Department. According to the resolution, refurbishing the equipment could be more cost-effective than replacing it.