STATEMENT FROM MAYOR THOMAS M. MCGEE: Demand fees on unpaid taxes and assessments are set by Massachusetts state statute (M.G.L. c. 60, s. 15) and are capped at $30 per demand letter to allow for municipalities to recover the costs incurred in attempting to collect unpaid amounts due. Last week, demand statements were sent out to residents who had not paid either or both of the bills for this year’s trash fee. Due to limitations of our general billing system, the interest and unit counts were not stated properly and caused confusion. However, the total dollar amounts due on the demand statements were correct. As a result of confusion from the first year of a new bill, we have decided to waive these demand fees, and offer a 60 day grace period-ending January 29th-for those to pay in full both bills totaling $90 per unit for the 2018 trash bill cycle. If anyone has already paid the demand fee, they will be reimbursed. The financial staff is looking into obtaining the proper billing system so that this issue does not arise again. Any specific questions can be directed to the Assessors and Collectors Offices.