LEESBURG — On Monday, Oct. 12, Leesburg Town Council met to discuss the possibility of setting a new precedence in how to deal with unoccupied commercial businesses in terms of their water bills.

Roberta “Bobbi” Anderson visited the board to discuss a commercial property she owns on SR 15, the former Farmer’s Market restaurant. According to Anderson, the location has sat unoccupied for the past year after sewer issues caused the past tenant to leave.

Anderson noted she has been paying $437 per month despite the fact no sewage has been flushed at the location. Though Anderson explained she has done numerous renovations to the building, she stated finding her definition of the “perfect renter” has been difficult.

“We had some Hispanics who wanted to go in there, but that is not what we wanted,” explained Anderson. “We want to see something really good go in there… We don’t want to put another bad situation in there. We would rather sit on it until we find something right.”

Tom Moore, board president, noted though the council would like to help offer relief to the Anderson family, they could not eliminate the bill all together.

“We can’t zero out your sewer bill,” stated Moore. “But we can eliminate your fees and processing.”

Moore explained by dropping processing fees, the only necessary charge at that point would be the set fee for the location, which is estimated at $73. The council noted this helps ensure the town does not loose any money while allowing relief for Anderson.

“Thank goodness you have enough concern for the town to make sure it’s a good fit,” commended Doug Jones, vice president.

Though Jones commended Anderson for looking for someone who is a “good fit,” he also noted it was important that any allowances the council makes would be done in a manner that would set a precedence on all future cases like Anderson’s.

After much conversation, the council decided to refer the matter to Umbaugh and Associates, financial planners. Any changes made in Anderson’s sewer rate will be retroactive to the meeting.

In other business:

• The town elected to accept a proposal from current garbage disposal company Advanced Disposal. The three year contract will start at $2,161.50 per month and will service a total of 262 homes. The contract caps at a 2 percent increase each year for three years. The board noted it will amount to $651 in savings to the town to remain with Advanced Disposal, who is currently servicing the town. Pick-up day will remain Friday in Leesburg.
• There is to be no burning of any item, at anytime. 
• No parking is permitted on any city street between the hours of 3-5 a.m.
• The next meeting is 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9.