6/20/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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F. Public Hearing Scheduled - Utility Liens and Tenants Responsibility for Bills Ordinance The Board reviewed a Memorandum of June 12, 1995: TO: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FROM: Charles P. Vitunac, County Attorney DATE: June 12, 1995 REI ORDINANCE REGARDING UTILITY LIENS AND TENANTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR BILLS The attached ordinance strengthens the county's ability to claim liens for unpaid water and sewer services and makes non -owner customers (i.e., tenants) of the utility system responsible for their own bills and removes the owner's responsibility to make up any unpaid charges which were the responsibility of the tenant. If the Board approves the concept of this ordinance we would respectfully request that a public hearing be scheduled for August 1, 1995. Commissioner Eggert wondered what prompted the ordinance and if it was really necessary, and County Attorney Vitunac explained how the provisions in the proposed ordinance would further protect the County regarding utility liens with or without formal filing and how it would make the tenant responsible for overdue utility bills. Commissioner Eggert then asked why County Attorney Vitunac felt overdue utility bills should be the tenant's responsibility and not the landowner's. County Attorney Vitunac thought the one most able to protect itself was the utility company by requiring security deposits. Chairman Macht thought he may have a problem with voting on the proposed ordinance because he owns some rental property, and County Attorney Vitunac pointed out that the ordinance addresses a matter of public importance and would not enure to Chairman Macht's private financial gain. By Chairman Macht making it known that he owns property and that it was not specifically for one of his properties, Attorney Vitunac declared it would be alright for him to vote. June 20, 1995 800K 95 PAcE 456