A $9,430 water bill? No thank you By John Cargile Gazette Staff Writer NORTHPORT – Ever had a $9,430 water bill in Northport? That’s what Larry Thomas faces if he doesn’t comply with an order by the city of Northport within the next 120 days. City Attorney Ron Davis sent Thomas a certified letter asking him to repay $2,500 within 120 days or he will face over $9,000 in a water bill, six years after it was due. Thomas went before the City Council on July 8 to appeal the claim. It had been denied by the claims department. Two council persons were ready to plea bargain with him on July 8th, asking for a payment of $5,000. Councilwoman Judy Hayes and Councilman Rodney Sullivan offered the plea agreement, but Thomas said it was too much. Thomas also told the Council he never opened a gas station and car wash on Lurleen Wallace Blvd. in Northport. But, records indicate that in August 2007, a business license and water account was set up for Bama Carwash, a gas station and carwash by Thomas. In the first month, the business had a water bill of $4,419. In September 2007, the bill was an additional $3,700, and a city representative met with someone at the carwash to discuss a suspected leak on the owner’s side of the water meter. In October 2007, the water meter was turned off and the account closed. Eventually, the matter was sent to collections after several certified letters were sent to the business owner. At least $1,311.61 in late fees was tacked onto the bill over time. But Thomas said his business never opened because the property was going to be sold. The city’s position is that the gas station and carwash were open for at least a month. However, documentation from 2007 shows that the property owners reported that Thomas was in business for about two months. However, documents also show that Thomas reported to the city that he only sold a few convenience store items during the first couple of weeks. He said the carwash was inoperable and he was charged city sales tax of $50.80 after a warrant was put out for his arrest for not paying taxes. “I never did business there,” Thomas said. “I got my license, but I never did open, period. Now this is preventing me from buying a house. That’s how I found out about this Because of it, it was on my credit report. It’s an open case.” Thomas was trying to buy a home when he found out about the water bill. On Monday July 15, the council cut the overdue bill again, this time down to $2,500. “That’s $7,000 less than the original bill,” said City Councilwoman Judy Hayes. “I feel that is more than fair,” added Councilman Rodney Sullivan. Thomas did not attend the last council meeting. According to a motion passed by the council, Thomas has 120 days to pay back the $2,500. If the amount is paid in full over the next four months, then it will be reported positively to the credit agencies, said City Administrator Scott Collins. If Thomas fails to pay the full $2,500 by the deadline, then the amount due will go back to $9,400, he said. “If he doesn’t pay the $2,500 within the 120 days, then all bets are off,” said Council President Jay Logan.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Jul 2013 10:40:11 +0000
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