Even as other citizens pay out-of-pocket to fix their broken sewer lines and the damage they cause – which can cause nasty sewage backups in basements – the Mason City council approved a recommendation from city administrator Brent Trout to pay $2,500 to Tom Landgraf of 323 South Maryland.
Through no fault of the city, Mr. Landgraf’s sewer line became clogged, causing sewage to back up into his basement. City personnel came out and unclogged the line for him. The resulting damage from the sewage led to Mr. Landgraf submitting a claim to the city’s insurance policy in the amount of $4,373.43, which was denied because the city is immune to those claims.
Using the city’s “moral obligation program”, the city council agreed to pay Mr. Landgraf $2,500 to help cover the repair costs from the sewage backup.
The city’s “moral obligation program” has a $5,000 limit per incident and a limit of $10,000 per year. In this case, the city’s insurance will still pay 75% of the bill ($1,857) and the city must pay the rest ($625).
The Mason City council was somewhat baffled as to whether or not to arbitrarily pay these funds, with Travis Hickey fearing the “subjective” nature of the decision would set a bad precedent. However, only Janet Solberg voted “no” to make the payment.
I have had to have mine cleaned out three times because of roots in the city line. I wonder if they will reimburse me.
Now if Joe “average” citizen filed a claim I wonder what would happen. I sure missed the boat, my sewer backed up in the past due to no fault of the city, I forgot to file a claim, not that way in the future
Solberg sells insurance, doesn’t she?
Ya, I think she goes door to door.
Obama is a President. This is a precedent. Big difference.
many people in the past and for sure in the future are going to have sewer backups do to ageing city pipes. This is a great president. Get in line