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Resident describes hardship as council certifies delinquent utility bills to county
Summary
During a public hearing the council certified delinquent utility accounts at 5% interest; one resident described household financial strain and the city explained assessments are placed on property tax rolls when bills remain unpaid.
At a public hearing on Oct. 14 the Mound City Council certified delinquent municipal utility bills for collection and answered questions from a resident who said he could not afford his past-due amount.
What the council did: The council held a public hearing and adopted Resolution 25-81 to assess unpaid utility charges to property tax rolls at 5% interest (levy 26077). The council voted to approve the resolution after hearing from a resident who said he owed $2,113.65 and described added household costs from buying bottled water.
Resident testimony: David Gilbertson of 3053 Bryant Lane described family circumstances, increased mortgage payments following an addition, and the extra monthly cost of bottled water after the city's water-quality issues. Gilbertson said his household of seven spends about $85 per month on bottled water and that the added expense combined with higher property taxes following a recent assessor visit had strained his budget. He said he had received two notices and had not arranged a payment with the city.
City response and process: City staff (Jesse and Noah) explained the administrative process: when utility accounts remain delinquent the city places the amount on the property tax statement for the following year; if a mortgage escrow exists the mortgage company typically absorbs and spreads the increased tax payment. Staff said the assessment process is the city's standard avenue for collection and that the certified assessment will be spread on the tax roll (noted interest: 5%). Staff advised testing household water quality and suggested local assistance sources, such as the West Tonka Food Shelf and other community resources, as possible interim relief.
Context and options: Staff said the municipality does not offer an individualized payment-hold option separate from the assessment process and that the assessment remains the standard remedy; items added to the tax roll are commonly caught up through escrow or paid with the tax installment. The resident said he had been denied some assistance programs in the past but would explore the food-shelf and local support options staff described.
Next steps: The council adopted the assessment and staff will forward the certified list to the county for inclusion on property tax statements. Residents with questions were advised to contact city utilities staff.
Sources: public testimony by David Gilbertson and staff explanation during the public hearing recorded on the Oct. 14 council meeting.
