Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utility Writeoffs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves three utility write-offs and debates options for defunct HOAs
Summary
Finance Director Jason Faulkner requested write-offs for three lingering utility accounts (a deceased customer after tax-deed sale and two irrigation/HOA accounts where HOAs are defunct). Council discussed liens, enforcement against adjacent property owners, and possible state legislation to let cities assume HOA maintenance with parcel tax funding.
Finance Director Jason Faulkner asked the council to write off three accounts that are unlikely to be collected: one owed by a deceased customer whose property sold in a tax-deed sale without an estate, and two irrigation/HOA accounts for associations with no board or funds. Faulkner said staff still will attempt collection if an HOA reconstitutes but that the accounts have been outstanding for several years.
Council members explored options including placing liens on individual property owners, code-enforcement measures if common areas fall into disrepair and legislative changes to allow cities to take over HOA obligations financed by a parcel-based tax. A staff legal research project is underway (a legal intern is working on options) and staff said a separate future discussion on the issue will be scheduled. The motion to approve the three utility write-offs passed on roll call.
