Alpena Township to clamp down on tardy water bills
Trending
ALEPNA -- People who are behind on their water and sewer bills in Alpena Township face an increased late fee if they don't pay off their past-due balance.
At Tuesday's board of trustees meeting, the board voted 6-0 to raise the penalty fee for late payments from 5% of the total bill, assessed quarterly, to 10% of the total, billed monthly.
Customers who go for long periods of time without paying their water bill could have the amount owed added to their tax bill or face a lien placed on their property, although that is a worst-case scenario, according to the board.
Treasurer Laura Somers said as of Tuesday there were 132 accounts in arrears, with the average amount past due being $284. That equates to about $37,517 that is owed to the township for water and sewer services.
Somers said customers currently have the 5% penalty added to their water bill quarterly, but the higher charges will be added monthly, and notices of delinquency will be mailed to those behind on their payments. She said the move should help discourage people from putting off paying their water and sewer bill before the 15th of every month, when the bills are due.
"A lot of people, especially with their sewer bills, don't pay and wait until they get their taxes, which hurts our cash flow," she said. "If someone doesn't pay the bill before it is due, the charge will be applied and a notice sent out."
Supervisor Nathan Skibbe said he understands some people struggle financially and need help. He said many programs in the area help people who struggle to pay their utility bills.
Trustee Cash Kroll had an excused absence from the meeting and did not vote on the increased penalty.