4/30/2004
Media Contact:
Kelly Duncan, DPW [317] 327-2053
Paul Whitmore, DPW [317] 327-4669 |
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City of Indianapolis provides opportunity for property owners to avoid sewer liens
INDIANAPOLIS – The Department of Public Works (DPW) is notifying private property owners by mail of delinquent sewer bills in an effort to avoid the placement of a lien on their property.
DPW will send 16,487 requests for payment totaling $864,041.41 in unpaid sewer charges. This will be the last opportunity for property owners to keep a lien from being placed on their property, to prevent their sewer charges from being added to fall tax bills, and to avoid additional administrative fees. The average balance for these potential liens is $52.41.
Customers who owe less than $11 or whose payment is delinquent for less than 60 days will not be sent letters. These charges will automatically be added to property tax bills in the fall if not paid by the end of May 2004.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency mandated sewer bills in 1977 to cover the cost of operating and maintaining advanced wastewater treatment plants and sewage facilities. Sewer fees are used to pay for both of the city's sewage treatment plants as well as raw sewage overflow capital improvement projects.
Placing a lien on properties is the city's last resort in an effort to receive payment. The courts have determined that placing a lien on a property is an appropriate collection action for Indianapolis to pursue. Other collection methods for non-payment of sewer fees that are exercised by the city on a regular basis include water service disconnection and legal action.
Payments must be received by May 27, 2004 to avoid lien action. All payments should be sent to Indianapolis Water, the city's billing and collection agent, at P.O. Box 1220, Indianapolis, IN 46206.
Customers who would like to pay in person may go to 1220 Waterway Blvd. Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., and Saturday, from 8 a.m. to noon.
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