County Will Add Late Charge To Garbage Bills

WATER VALLEY – Supervisor approved a $5 late charge for the county’s garbage customer who do not pay their bill on time. The charge will be assessed starting October 1 for monthly payments that are received by the 10th of the month.

Board Attorney John Crow advised neighboring counties have adopted a similar policy and reported success with getting timely payments. 

“It should help reduce your arrearage,” Crow added before supervisor unanimously voted to adopt the late fee. 

Delinquent garbage accounts have been a recurring topic in recent years, as the county is mandated by state law to collect and dispose of garbage generated for all residences in the county.  Unlike other utilities including water and electricity, the county cannot discontinue service for non-payment, prompting the adoption of multiple collection measures by supervisors. Collection measures already implemented by the county include:

1) A civil action can be commenced against the generator, users and/or land owner. Court costs, collection and/or late fees, and attorneys fees will be added to the delinquent amount.

2) A lien may be placed on the land provided the services;

3) Motor vehicle tags will not be issued on any user or occupant of the dwelling provided the garbage service, nor will a tag be issued to the owner of the land. Therefore if you rent a house, the owner of the dwelling or land will not be issued a vehicle tag.

4) A notice of delinquency (lis pendens) will be placed in the land records of Yalobusha County.

Garbage customers are also reminded that if a garbage customer moves from a dwelling, they must notify the garbage collection clerk at 473-5024 immediately after vacating the dwelling. If you fail to do so, your obligation to continue paying the collection service is not terminated.