Discussion:
The City certifies past due utility bills for collection with the property taxes. All property owners have been notified that the utility bills are being certified to the county and have been given adequate opportunity to pay their bill.
Resolution No. R2023-023 certifies delinquent storm drainage and sanitary sewer fees payable in 2024. In addition to these delinquent amounts, a $25.00 administrative charge will be added to each account if not paid on or before March 7, 2023. After the accounts are certified, property owners will have 30 days to pay the balance interest free. After 30 days, interest will be charged at an annual rate of 6.0% dating back to the certification date.
Delinquent accounts being certified include former tenants in rental units or prior owners of a property. Since the city’s utilities are attached to the property, the city can collect past due balances through the certification process.
In the past years, staff has certified delinquent utilities that covered the previous year once a year in the fall with other special assessments. Through a collaborative effort with Shakopee Public Utilities staff, the city now receives this information twice a year, including shortly after year-end rather than waiting until the fall. This coincides with Shakopee Public Utilities end of the year delinquent process. This aids in the collection process, as the delinquent accounts are more current. This is beneficial when a property is dealing with new owners or prior tenants.