By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington aldermen are offering property owners protection in case their water and sewer bills soar because of infrastructure failures.

The city council voted unanimously Monday night for a voluntary program from Tennessee-based Sunbelt Insurance Group’s ServLine plan, which costs $1.05 per month for water leak protection.

The decision was not unanimous for more expensive insurance covering breakdowns of private property connections to the city’s main water and sewer lines, which cost up to $6.60 per month.

That vote was six-to-two with Aldermen Karen Schmidt and David Sage voting no. Sage is concerned the city is transferring to property owners responsibility for system failures.

“You’re asking residents to be responsible for water and sewer lines underground that they have no control over. Whether it’s work in the street, or work in the parkway, they have no control over how that work was done,” said Sage.

Alderman Amelia Buragas said her constituents in Ward 4, which includes the north central part of the city, want options about how to deal with potential problems.

“Residents, especially in older neighborhoods, are aware of their potential liability,” said Buragas.

“I know there have been different ways that the code has been interpreted over the years when it comes to that public right-of-way portion, but no matter what, everyone is still responsible if they have a failure under their own property. This provides another option. Residents want it, Buragas also said.

Property owners can opt out of water leak protection, but they wouldn’t be eligible for the pricier coverage.

Alderman Kimberly Bray did not vote because she said her employer, State Farm Insurance, offers a competing policy.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]