Ironton council addresses delayed water bills and urges residents to check accounts as disconnects loom

Ironton — The Ironton City Council on June 11 addressed reports that many residents did not receive mailed water bills and urged people to check online accounts or contact the water office.

A council member said the water office’s contractor provided a receipt dated May 22 indicating bills were mailed. Councilors discussed posting guidance on the city website and encouraging residents to use paperless billing or to visit the water office to look up their account if they have not received a bill.

Council members said the public utilities department has scheduled disconnects for Monday the 15th if accounts remain unpaid, but they discussed the possibility of waiving late fees for affected households and asked staff to send clear instructions about how residents can verify bills and avoid service interruption. One council member said that, in prior instances, the mayor issued a statement waiving late fees while the mailing issue was resolved.

Residents at the meeting asked for clearer follow-up when they submit service requests online or by text; council members acknowledged inconsistent follow-up on some code-enforcement and service items and encouraged staff to improve notifications.

What happened next: council members asked staff to publish guidance on the city website and suggested the utilities office contact customers directly where possible. The meeting then moved on to other agenda items and later into executive session on real estate.