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Ellettsville hears first reading to raise renters' sewer deposit from $100 to $250; council asks staff to research liens
Summary
On first reading councilors considered an ordinance to raise the renter sewer deposit to $250, with members expressing concern about the burden on renters and asking staff to research whether liens on property owners are legally available for unpaid sewer bills.
The Ellettsville Town Council discussed an ordinance on first reading that would raise the sewer deposit for renters from $100 to $250.
Staff said the proposed increase reflects recurring instances where short-term or departing renters leave unpaid water and sewer bills, leaving the town with limited recourse to recover those amounts. "The purpose of this ordinance is to increase the sewer deposit fee for renters from $100 to $250," staff said when introducing the measure.
Several council members voiced concern about the size of the increase. "That's quite a bit of a jump...renters are already stretched thin," one member said, asking whether landlords typically pay or if the town could place liens on property owners to create additional recourse. Staff responded that when owners are responsible the town’s options are limited, noting that liens against owner-occupied properties can be cumbersome and operationally difficult.
Council asked staff to research the town’s legal authority to place liens against property owners or pursue alternative collection methods and report back at the next meeting. The ordinance was presented only on first reading; no final vote was taken.
