Wednesday, AUGUST 27, 2025 |
Photo – Running water – Bigfoot99 file photo
The Town of Medicine Bow will no longer offer weekend or after-hours residential water activation.
During the August 11th Medicine Bow Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Brian Lashley asked the governing body for guidance on handling after-hours water service requests. Lashley explained that seasonal residents, referred to as snowbirds, often ask him to activate or deactivate their water on weekends or outside of regular business hours. The Public Works Director recommended denying the requests or increasing the after-hours rates.
The Town of Medicine Bow charges $25 to activate or deactivate residential water service. Because the job takes a minimum of two hours, Mayor Justin George agreed that Lashley should either decline the request or charge an additional fee.
Councilwoman Kristi Wickizer asked if Lashley could activate the water service before a resident arrives in town. The Public Works Director said for liability reasons, someone must be present at the residence when the water supply is turned on.
Councilwoman Wickizer said Lashley is available during the weekends for emergencies, not for the convenience of snowbirds.
The Public Works Director said he was recently called to activate a resident’s water service while on vacation, requiring him to return to town on his day off.
Town Attorney Cameron Smith suggested establishing a set of fees for regular, emergency, and after-hours service requests.
Councilman Lee Cook said residents must arrange to have their water service turned on or off during regular business hours. Mayor George agreed, adding that residents could leave a key with someone they trust, allowing the town to activate the water before they arrive.
Mayor George said he is not in favor of an increased fee for activating or deactivating water service outside of regular business hours. However, the Mayor said the town will continue to offer after-hours service for emergencies.
Mayor George instructed Medicine Bow Town Hall staff to deny requests for after-hours water activation. The Mayor said residents or their designated representatives must be present during regular business hours to have water service turned on or off.
The Medicine Bow Town Council agreed to deny non-emergency after-hours water service requests.
