Unpaid utility bills concern city, landlords
Unpaid utility bills not only concern the City of Marion but also the people who own (landlords) property on which the billing is in arrears.
Ordinance 1178 was discussed, with several landlords present. The ordinance pertains to collection of delinquent utility accounts.
Those present included Jim Davis, Ron Widler, Gary Carlson, and David McGinness.
City clerk's office figures indicate that 85 percent of the delinquent accounts ($15,928) are on rental property and 15 percent ($2,774) are on property occupied by owners.
Attorney Dan Baldwin said the present ordinance was approved by the League of Kansas Municipalities and used by many cities across the state.
A committee has been appointed to study ways of improving collection. They are Baldwin, Harvey Sanders, Linda Holub, David Mayfield, and Becky Makovec.
They are considering requiring a larger deposit. (Hillsboro requires $150); increasing the connection charge; and doing credit checks.
Carlson said the current ordinance "has not been a problem" for him. But he suggested a deposit, closer credit checks, and an advance payment.
Marion has a $35 connect fee. Delinquent notices are sent on the 16th of the month and, if not paid, disconnects are made on the 26th.
Carlson suggested that landlords be notified when a renter is in arrears. "It's not the landlord's responsibility," he said. "It's the renter's responsibility."
Ron Widler said that by following the present policy, "By the time you cut them off, they're already more than a month behind." He suggested the city collect a deposit based on two months usage.
Carlson agreed, "those who use more electricity and water should put up higher deposits."
Commissioner Larry McClain agreed that a two-month deposit should be required, "by the time the cutoff date, the 26th, arrives they already are two months behind."
Baldwin said a uniform deposit should be based on a reasonable rate. He proposed the committee continue to study the problem and "propose something that's worthwhile."
Mayor Eloise Mueller said higher hookup fees should be studied, in addition to higher deposits.
Carlson said he believed the policy should include owners, "not just renters."
"We have an ordinance on the books," Mueller said. "We should enforce it."
Baldwin added, "A deposit is necessary to solve the problem."
Bob Brookens, a member of the audience, stated that "landlords are at a disadvantage."
