By Tim Pinkham, T-H Correspondent
LOOGOOTEE — Mayor Don Bowling acknowledged Monday night Loogootee officials have failed in past years to pursue collecting delinquent water and sewer bills.
However, prompted by the State Board of Accounts, Bowling said the city will now steadfastly follow state statutes concerning enforcement and collection of delinquent accounts.
“In the past, it has been much easier to just let the unpaid accounts continue to grow,” Bowling said in written notes prepared for Monday’s City Council meeting.
During the Nov. 9 meeting, the council voted to write off nearly $15,000 in delinquent water and sewer accounts. They covered several years and involved more than 100 people, some of whom are deceased.
Monday night, the council voted to write off another $516 in delinquent accounts, including taxes and penalties, involving 12 people, one of whom is deceased.
Utilities Manager Bo Wilson made a Christmas reference, saying the utility office had a list of delinquent accounts and was checking it twice to find out who was naughty or nice. Anyone whose name is on the list will not be allowed to receive utility service in the future in Loogootee until all their past accounts have been paid. To read the full story, pick up today’s copy of the Washington Times-Herald.
