April 6, 2009

Legal Action Advances on Delinquent Solid Waste Bills
 
Legal action is advancing another step against Lawrence County customers with delinquent solid waste disposal fees.

The Lawrence County Solid Waste Committee voted to pursue legal action against delinquent solid waste accounts in March of 2008.  At that time, approximately $300,000 in solid waste disposal fees remained uncollected since 2000.

Several months ago, letters were issued to 6,000 residential account holders with delinquent solid waste disposal fees for the years 2001 through 2006.  Those letters offered a final opportunity to pay delinquent fees before additional fines were assessed as part of the legal process.  Since that time, budget officials report that more than $170,000 in delinquent solid waste fees has been collected.

In the coming weeks, County Attorney Charlie Holt will petition the court for summary judgment against a group of delinquent account holders who have retained attorneys. 

According to Holt, the next legal phase is already advancing against those who owe their solid waste fee.  A demand letter was mailed to delinquent customer accounts on April 1, 2009.  The letter stated that if accounts were not paid in full by April 15, 2009, a lawsuit will be filed on or about May 1, 2009.  The first legal step will include publication of the delinquent persons name in the newspaper. The name, address, and amount will be listed. Secondly, the delinquent customer can accept service of process at the office of accounts and budget. Thirdly, a waiver of summons will be issued by first class mail to the delinquent customer. If the above measures fail, the Sheriff’s Department will serve the Summons and Complaint on the delinquent customer at their home, work, or place of business, which will increase the customers’ court costs. Judgment will be sought after service of process has been achieved. 

Until April 15, the delinquent residential accounts may be paid in the Office of Accounts and Budgets at 219 Centennial Boulevard, Lawrenceburg.      

 

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