On Oct. 10, the Urbanna Town Council voted to adopt a “policy” to aid the town in collecting water bills that are more than 60 days old.
A town ordinance could follow, but it must mesh with state law.
Collecting delinquent accounts from renters can be difficult if the renter moves. Council discussed at an earlier meeting the possibility of billing the landowner if a renter’s bill is more than 60 days old.
Town Administrator Ted Costin informed council that state law requires the renter to give the town permission to contact the property owner regarding the renter’s water bill.
Renters make up about 25% of delinquent water bills, council was informed by a staff member.
The town has more than $25,000 in delinquent accounts, according to town records.
The town has the option of shutting off water as a last resort. The town plans to begin collecting delinquent water bills, in January 2025.
Limitations
No disconnection from service for any residential customer shall be made when the forecasted temperature is at or above 92 degrees Fahrenheit within the 24 hours following the scheduled disconnection. To ascertain the projected temperature, staff shall refer to the forecasted local temperature provided by the National Weather Service…
