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Commission reviews options for chronic delinquent sewer accounts, seeks town-counsel guidance
Summary
Following guidance from the state Division of Local Services, the commission reviewed enforcement tools for chronic delinquent sewer accounts including liens, set-off, fees, garnishment and permit or license denials and plans to consult town counsel and the treasurer.
The Northfield Sewer Commission discussed enforcement options for chronic delinquent accounts at the April 29 meeting after reviewing guidance from the Division of Local Services (DLS).
Staff summarized possible measures to address unpaid sewer accounts, including working with the treasurer, invoking unpaid sewer lien statutes in town bylaws, withholding payment to contractors who are in default (set-off), instituting an end-of-year delinquent fee separate from demand fees, wage garnishment, small-claims actions, and denying permits or business licenses. The minutes specifically referenced DLS recommendations and advised consulting town counsel on which options are appropriate and legally available.
The minutes also cite a statutory reference in the discussion: 'Part L Title VII, Chapter 40, Section 57' as a state provision to consider. Commissioners asked staff to coordinate with the treasurer and town counsel to pursue lawful enforcement steps and to bring recommended bylaw language or procedures back to the commission for review.
Ending: The commission will continue the matter with advice from town counsel and the treasurer and will schedule a training session on liens and collections at the May 18 meeting.
