Sump Pump Letters Draw Backlash from Montpelier Residents
From the Montpelier Common Council meeting on August 10, 2026
A city letter ordering residents to disconnect sump pumps and downspouts from the sanitary sewer within two weeks has drawn sharp criticism and "hundreds of phone calls" to city hall.
Resident Robert Pembo of 311 East High Street appeared at the August 10 council meeting to call the unsigned letter "threatening" and questioned how city employees would access private property to inspect connections.
Brad Neff apologized for the letter's tone and wording but explained the requirement comes from state law. Indiana requires cities to pass and enforce ordinances against sump pump and downspout connections to sanitary sewers to prevent sewage overflow during heavy rains.
The mayor indicated the two-week deadline will not be enforced and suggested a December 31 compliance deadline instead, though no formal motion was made. Water Superintendent Chase Perry has been fielding the calls.
The underlying problem — stormwater flowing into the sanitary sewer system through illegal connections — contributes to Montpelier's ongoing flooding and sewer overflow issues.
Source: Meeting transcript — Montpelier Common Council Meeting August 10 2026
Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.
About our reporting: The Blackford Ledger builds its government coverage from official public records, and every report is reviewed by an editor before publication. Read our Editorial Policy & Corrections or request a correction.