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East Canton council adopts ordinance to place water accounts in property owners' names
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance 202609 to revise water‑account management so accounts are held in the property owner's name, enabling unpaid balances to be collected via tax certification; debate focused on tenant tracking, enforcement mechanics and the challenge of absentee out‑of‑state landlords.
The Village of East Canton council voted to adopt an ordinance (202609) revising water‑account management and collections to place billing responsibility on property owners rather than tenants. Council members and staff said the change is intended to reduce uncollectible balances when tenants move and owners are out of state.
During extended discussion council members described recurring problems at multi‑unit rental properties (cited as the “Deville” apartments) where tenants move without notifying the village and outstanding balances accumulate. Staff outlined enforcement options: issuing certified violation notices, performing contracted mowing with costs certified to the county auditor, and, where legally permitted, turning unpaid amounts into tax liens. Council debated practical limits, including legal constraints against shutting off current tenants who are paying and the difficulty of tracking tenant moves when the village is notified only by incoming tenants.
Supporters said having the account in the property owner's name would give the village a clearer path to recover unpaid charges through tax certification and reduce administrative burden tracking transient tenants. Critics and staff cautioned it may not fully solve collection issues, especially where property owners are nonresponsive, and noted pending state legislation that could change local authority over account naming.
Council read the proposed ordinance by title, suspended the rule on readings and adopted it by roll‑call vote. The fiscal officer and enforcement staff will follow up to formalize procedures for certification to the auditor and any required notices to property owners.
