biggiesmalls says

They charge an arm and a leg, but if the sewer backs up into your basement (TWICE) they don't reimburse you or fix the problem

Gardenman says

As "Driving in Circles" says its not that easy to just turn off the water in Huron and folks will pay the bill then. In Huron the water is supplied by the City of Huron Water Department. Your sewer is supplied by Erie County Sewer and Water. So two separate billings and two separate supplier of services.

I assume there is no real way for Erie County Sewer to cut off the sewer to a residence who is not paying but it would seem possible though.

I will say its "hats off" to the City of Huron for taking care of folks who do not pay their water bill. Is 2-3 weeks overdue and zippo the water goes off. Couple years ago I observed City of Huron Water Department cut off the water to a two homes in my neighborhood. I actually timed them at the second house and from the time the truck pulled up at the curb till the water was off and truck pulled away was a grand total of 45 seconds.........yes seconds. One guy popped the water cover while the other stuck a bold red notice on the storm door.

Know of a fellow who refused to pay his sewer bill in Huron. Said it was unfair (I know stupid) so after a while Erie County Sewer and water initiated paperwork to get his Federal Tax refund check and they did. When years later his house was lost due to foreclosure Erie County got the remainder from the bank who foreclosed as their was a lien on the property by Erie County Sewer and Water.

As to publishing the names of non paying sewer and water bills..........not sure.....they use to publich the names of those who had not paid their property taxes and I am not sure that made folks pay any faster BUT it did bring in publishing revenue for the Sandusky Register.

To me its the old philosophy if you owe the bill PAY it........If  you can not pay the bill then don't use the service. As always there are always going to be people that want to get something for no charge and let others pay the bill for their use.

big_d says

jijames50 says

Publius says

Now just imagine... You missed your last payment to Columbia Gas or Ohio Edison, and you name is published for all to see.  How quickly would the lawsuits start?

Water and Sewer is a PUBLIC Utility, and should be subject to rules of the PUCO, just like all other public utilities, publically or private owned.

I think this is pretty outrageous the County has the temerity to publish delinquent accounts. 

Driving in Circles says

It is not that easy for the county in Huron because they get their water from the City of Huron, not Erie County.  That is probably why such a high number are from Huron.  It is harder to shut off the sewer than water (although you might get faster results)

It does make me wonder if collections have been poor in other years.  It might be worth a little investigate journalism on the SR's part.  Is this a recent occurance or is the county just now looking because they are broke?

Darkhorse says

I agree with Salvatore.  What is taking the county so long to turn off the water????  Who is watching and monitoring that they allow this amount of money to accumulate.  Do they even have turn off procedures in place?  When push comes to shove, and the city and counties get disperate for money, they start looking at the things that for years they have let slip by. I am surprised to read Huron has the most collection.  More people will let their bills slide if they know the county will not shut off the water.

outsider says

 Sounds like a protest to the unchecked spending Jack Meyers continues to promote as head of the  county sewer and water department. How about we all just put our water and sewer bills in an escrow account until Mr. Meyers is sent packing? People are tired of his questionable management and accounting.

Salvatore says

Shut off their water until they pay. Simple. What is so hard about that?