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Finance committee to certify 24 delinquent utility accounts totaling $18,186.46 to county auditor; policy changes discussed
Summary
The committee approved certification of 24 delinquent accounts (total $18,186.46) to the Lorain County Auditor and discussed policy options to reduce future sewer/sanitation-only delinquencies, including late fees, repeat-offender penalties and improved payment options.
The Elyria finance committee on May 12 approved a resolution authorizing certification of 24 delinquent utility accounts totaling $18,186.46 to the Lorain County Auditor for liening and collection.
Ms. Connor presented the list of accounts to be certified. Committee members raised concerns that sewer- and sanitation-only accounts are an increasing workload because the city cannot discontinue sewer service and its primary enforcement for nonpayment is collection through the auditor or stopping trash pickup. Mrs. Saworka and other council members urged staff to seek new mechanisms to reduce delinquencies.
The safety-service director and other staff recommended considering late fees and escalated penalties for repeat late payers (a proposal discussed included a modest late fee and a larger penalty for repeat offenders, for example three late payments within a 12-month rolling period). Staff indicated they are updating ordinances and expect proposed changes for council consideration in July. Officials also noted existing voluntary options such as automatic bank deductions and payment at local retail locations (Drug Mart) remain available to customers.
The committee report recommended certification of the attached list to the Lorain County Auditor; the motion to forward the accounts carried by voice vote.
