Council adopts ordinance to assess 114 delinquent sewer and solid-waste accounts totaling $131,429.97
Summary
By roll call, the Lansing City Council adopted Ordinance 11-33 to place liens for 114 delinquent sewer and solid-waste accounts totaling $131,429.97; residents may avoid assessment by establishing a payment plan before Aug. 25, 2025.
The Lansing City Council adopted Ordinance 11-33, which directs the assessment of delinquent sewer and solid-waste charges as liens on real property when applicable.
Staff told the council the ordinance lists 114 properties with total delinquent charges of $131,429.97 and that staff would not submit the ordinance for assessment until Aug. 25, 2025, giving residents an opportunity to set up payment plans to avoid assessment. "Residents are given the opportunity to be removed from the ordinance by setting up a payment plan with the city before that date," staff said.
Council members discussed that many of the listed accounts are repeat delinquencies and that the city will pursue collection options for renters through third-party collection agencies; staff said third-party collections can affect credit reports while tax assessments are handled through escrow and lien processes. Staff said roughly 80% of people on payment plans follow through, but some stop making payments and are assessed.
Council adopted the ordinance by roll call. Staff said they review account status the day before submission to remove any accounts that have been paid or that enter payment plans.
The ordinance instructs staff to proceed with assessment procedures unless accounts are resolved through payments or arrangements before the submission date, and staff described other collection tools such as state setoff and wage garnishment when applicable.
