Delinquent water users targeted

Town is considering ‘aggressive collection’ for slow bill payers

The Urbanna Town Council is considering ways to collect delinquent water-sewer bills.

The town has more than $25,000 in delinquent accounts, according to town records.

At the Sept. 26 regular semimonthly council meeting, Town Administrator Ted Costin presented council with four forms that will strengthen the town’s ability to collect past-due accounts and close “loopholes.”

Council will consider approving the new delinquent account policy at its Oct. 10 meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. in the town hall at 390 Virginia St.

Proposed

Being proposed is that if a renter’s water-sewer account becomes delinquent the property owner can be notified. If the renter does not pay and moves out, the property owner is responsible for the bill.

The town can place a lien on property connected to a delinquent water-sewer bill or a tax bill.

Also proposed is imposing collection fees and a post-judgment interest rate of 20%.

Shut off

Shutting off a customer’s water is the final alternative if bills are not paid. The town could shut off water if the water bill is delinquent for 60 days. However, water can’t be shut off if anticipated outdoor temperature is 92-degrees or hotter, said Costin. There are other restrictions on when water can be shut off. The reconnection fee would be $50.

The Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) is the billing authority, because sewer service fees are based on the amount of water used.

Rental deposit can only be waived if the renter is on rental assistance.

Once the policy is approved, the town will advertise that it will begin “aggressive collection” in January 2025.

Some accounts became delinquent during the COVID-19 pandemic when government restricted enforcing delinquent water-sewer bills…