Burns Harbor council gives Rig Doctors 30 days to catch up on past-due payments or face termination

The Burns Harbor Town Council directed town staff March 11 to notify Rig Doctors that the company must bring its account current by the next council meeting or face termination of its payment agreement.

Council members said Rig Doctors is three months in arrears on a contract with the town. Council discussion cites a $7,500 total contract and $500 paid to date; consistent monthly payments of $250 were referenced in the discussion, producing the three-payment arrearage figure. Council asked the clerk/treasurer to send a demand (certified/legal) and recommended the council consider terminating the agreement if Rig Doctors had not paid the past-due amount by the next meeting.

"So we're now three months behind in payments with Rig Doctors. Correct," a council member asked during the discussion. After debate about contract remedies, a motion was made directing Nick to reach out to Rig Doctors with a legal demand and to notify them that if the past-due amount is not paid by the next meeting the council will consider terminating the payment plan. The motion was seconded and approved by roll call.

Town staff said the contract language gives the town remedies including declaring the balance due and pursuing small-claims or other collection action if necessary. Council directed that the initial communication come from the clerk/treasurer's office and recommended certified delivery if legal action was possible.