Action by the Clarendon City Council last week aims to cover future monetary losses from sewer backups like those incurred by a local couple last year.
A downpour on August 29 caused the city’s sewer line to back up inside the Third Street home of B.J. and Jennie Owens. The couple’s homeowner’s insurance denied their claim, and the city’s insurance also denied a claim touting the city’s sovereign immunity in the case.
In light of those damages, City Administrator David Dockery introduced a Supplemental Sewage Backup Coverage through the city’s insurer during the regular council meeting on January 12.
“This only covers instances where the city’s line or main causes a problem,” Dockery said. “It also won’t cover a 25-year or greater flood event.”
The coverage would provide up to $25,000 for damages per occurrence with a $250 deductible at an annual cost of $811 for the city, Dockery said.
Although the new insurance won’t help the Owens, aldermen felt that the policy would be a good benefit to have going forward to help protect citizens in the future. The vote to adopt the coverage was unanimous.
“This is taxpayers’ dollars being used to directly protect the taxpayers,” Dockery said.
The council set February 13 as the date for a public hearing of the new Building Standards Commission to take comments on the Mays property at 512. S. Sully.
Aldermen also voted to renew the city’s curfew ordinance for minors for another three years.
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