LOWELL | Builders in the Heritage Falls subdivision, the site of the Parade of Homes, will be getting some welcome relief from the water bills they paid this summer to keep sodded grass alive.

On Monday, the council agreed to immediately approve a change in the town's sprinkling ordinance that will grant builders and developers a break on the sewage rates, upon which water costs are based, of unoccupied and unsold single-family homes and other residential units.

Clerk/Treasurer Judy Walters said the builders and developers will realize the same consideration given "snowbirds;" that is, people who go south for the winter, leaving their homes unoccupied.

In agreeing to the relief for builders, the council made their decision retroactive to June of this year.

Walters said the builders and developers of 10 affected homes will get money back as a result.

In another matter, Council President Phillip Kuiper offered up his personal and official thanks to the community and businesses for pitching in during recent flooding.

The council heard expressions of gratitude from residents Connie Shrombeck and Ray Raszewski whose homes were flooded. They said the town's and volunteers' help was invaluable.