Unpaid Southington Sewer Bills Causing Concern

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Town officials are concerned that too many Southington homeowners are not paying their sewer bills, possibly jeopardizing their own homes or businesses.

At last week's Southington Town Council meeting, Councilman Tony Morrison, who heads the council's sewer subcommittee, said 312 Southington sewer customers have not paid their bills going back as far as a year.

This has resulted in an outstanding, total balance of $717,000 owed to the town, he said.

Last month, he said, the town only was able to collect $30,000.

"It is concerning. Sewer bill payments continue to be a problem," Morrison said.

Morrison said the town would be preparing tax lien sales on homes with outstanding sewer debt.

"We sent letters out explaining this and it would be tragic if anyone lost their house or business just because of their sewer bills," Morrison said.

He urged sewer bill payers to "not let their sewer bills get out of hand," adding state mandates require a 12 percent yearly interest payment that "cannot be waived."

According to the Southington Sewer Department, the town handles quarterly billing and collection of approximately 10,000 bills for sewer usage.

The town operates the sewer plant at 999 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike in Southington, where wastewater from 20,000 residents is processed.

Southington also utilizes 120 miles of sewer lines in town and has 10 pump stations that direct wastewater to the plant.

Southington's sewer plant is also where septic system pumpouts are taken for processing.

"So, please watch out. Pay your sewer bills. And those who have long, outstanding debts, please, please resolve them with the town," Morrison said.

For the minutes of the Jan. 13 Southington Town Council meeting, click on this link.