Renters who move out owing water bills are leaving Summit’s coffers high and dry, and a new policy may hold landlords responsible for paying the balance before a new tenant can receive service.
The town council is considering the ordinance suggested by Monzella Tickles, who is serving as a town clerk on a contractual basis. She told the council last week that the town is owed $100,000 in unpaid water bills. That’s the equivalent of about 10% of Summit’s annual budget.
While some councilmen had concerns about the proposal, including whether it is fair to landlords, others said the town can’t afford to leave that much money uncollected.
“I’ve seen tenants leave in the middle of the night and you get stuck. Do you think that would be a problem for these landlords?” Councilman Marcus Pittman asked.
“Well, that is a possibility because sometimes they do leave in the middle of the night. They leave owing rent.” Mayor Percy Robinson said
When Tickles made her proposal to the council last week, she suggested landlords withhold departing tenants’ security deposits until their water account is paid in full or else use the deposit to settle the account.
Councilman Chris Daniels said the that much money being owed to the town is a concern that needs to be addressed.
“I think one of our biggest issues right now is $100,000 in unpaid water bills,” he said. “A hundred thousand dollars can go a long way in any department. We need to do something.”
Councilman Joe Lewis asked whether the so-called water agreement, which is between the tenant and the town, can hold the landlord responsible.
“In order to collect the money from the owner, he would probably say, ‘I don’t have an agreement,’” Lewis said.
Councilman Julius Nash suggested tabling the ordinance, since a copy of it wasn’t included in the council’s paperwork.
“That will give the landlords time to respond to us,” he said.
Daniels said a copy exists and it was included in paperwork for last week’s work session and suggested the council take its vote.
“It appears we have crossed the T’s and dotted the I’s on moving forward on this,” he said.
“I can’t vote on an ordinance without seeing it,” Nash said.
Daniels withdrew his motion, and the council approved Nash’s substitute to table.
