By Seth Quillen

RICHMOND -- It's time for those responsible to step up to pay their own bills, and the City Council is putting its foot down on the issue. The council passed an ordinance Tuesday night that passes the burden of collecting non-payment and delinquent utility fees off of its hands, and on to the owners to collect from tenants.

City Treasurer Chris Purser says there are lots of resident who never pay until they get that pink slip, and the city is losing thousand of dollars a month in unpaid water utilities.

"I think it's been our problem for to long -- there's been to much wiggle room," said Councilwoman Leslie Erickson.

Purser said it is the exact same people every month who wait till that pink slip hits the door before they make a payment.

The non-residing owner agreement says the person renting the property will pay for all utility services for any tenant or occupant who fails to pay. The same obligation applies to any and all "pass through" costs from any county or state agency.

"It's the same people that take advantage every time," said Councilman L. D. Bowcott. "They may be encouraged to pay, if it's going to hit them in the pocketbook a little deeper."

If the bill is not paid after 30 days, a notice will be sent out to the custumer in writing, notifying them of a $25 late fee and 10 days to pay the bill. If payment is not made the water will be shut off and a fee of $50 will be applied. To restore service an additional $50 will be charged for the turn-on fee. The new fees are lower than many other cities.

"I think that it's plenty fair, ours [fees] have been way too lenient," said Mayor Kip Panter.

Purser said it's not the city's responsibility to play collection agency. If a bill is not paid after 45 days of the initial due date Richmond City may send you to a collections agency without further notice.

The ordinance will be put into effect March 1.

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