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Mercer landlords say water hook up fee a hardship, propose change

August 11, 2009|SUSIE LAUN

HARRODSBURG - The Harrodsburg City Commission will have the first reading of a new water security deposit affecting landlords during its next regular meeting. A group of landlords were on hand during Monday's meeting to present the proposal.

According to the current ordinance, adopted in 1999, the water department requires a $75 deposit fee for residential properties to ensure bill payment.

If a customer doesn't pay a bill, the city turns off the water and the deposit remains until the account is closed. The deposit may either be refunded or used to pay an outstanding balance left on the bill, said Amy Kays, with the water department.

Landlords present at the meeting said it was inconvenient for them to have to go to city hall multiple times to have water turned off or on as tenants moved in or out. They proposed an ordinance giving them the option of paying $75 per line turned on, paying a lump sum of $125 for the first two residential meters or $300 for three or more residential meters.

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Ann Evans, a landlady who spoke on behalf of the group, said this proposal gives them the option to choose what is easiest while still ensuring that the city has a deposit.

Commissioner Kerry Anness made a motion that the proposal be taken as a first reading, but it must be written in the form of an ordinance first. It will be presented to the commission for a first reading during its regular meeting in September.

The proposal also states that owners/landlords will be notified before water is turned off so they can decide if they want to have the water switched to their name or turned off.

Kays said the city turns off about 180 residents' water each month for non-payment.

Water bills are due on the 10th of each month and water is turned off on the 20th of each month if the bill hasn't been paid.

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