MARATHON, Fla. — After a fire closed the Maytag Clean Laundry in Marathon, the city hit owner Donna Farmer with a sewer assessment bill that may keep it out of business permanently, a move that would leave the city without a coin laundry.The assessment bill requires a prepayment of $149,000, and, amortized over 20 years, the total bill adds up to $260,000.Farmer, whose family has owned the laundry for 28 years, plans to plead to the Marathon City Council for a reduction in her costs, according to the Florida Keys Keynoter.“I’m asking as many people as possible to be there for a show of support,” she said. “I really feel this is down to a community thing. This is about keeping it going for them if it is at all possible.”Community Services Director Susie Thomas told the Keynoter that sewer assessments for commercial properties are based on the highest average flow during a three-month period in the last three years.“We do have an appeals process that, if you think the figure we chose for you is wrong because you had a leak or there [were] extenuating circumstances, then you have to fill out the appeal form and give us your proof to support your appeal,” she said.The city council has discussed subsidizing the laundry, but if it doesn’t happen, Marathon will go without a laundry for the foreseeable future.
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