I spoke with Kevin Brunner last Friday about this issue. He is the City Manager for Whitewater. He explained that if the city paid for this claim, then they would be liable for similar claims. To paraphrase, he said that precedent would be a large financial burden on the city. I agreed, but 1st Lt. Cull's situation is unique. I feel if you are fighting in a war for us and our country, you deserve to be given preferential treatment. I have no issue paying a special fee which would protect our troops against situations such as this. I am going to find out how I can contribute to this fund for 1st Lt. Cull and drop $20 in the hat. I would encourage anyone who can appreciate what our men and women in uniform are doing for us, to donate accordingly. I believe what the city council did was a step in the right direction, but I believe they should continue to support this cause until necessary funds are raised.

cynicaleye, learn the law. The City only has to pay it it can be proven to have had notice of the condition. Otherwise, if the City had to go around paying everything something went wrong, it would not be able to provide any of these services except at costs no one could afford. And there are steps people can take to protect their property from these events, plus insurance they can obtain.

This is the reason why buildings are supposed to have operational backflow preventers on their sewage lines.

From the original news story: "The city said the backup was caused by a blockage—a buildup of grease—in a city-owned sewer main under the street near Cull’s home. But the city won’t pay for the damage, which is estimated at $20,000."

City-owned? City pays. Period. Shame!