Bristol Twp. Tells Those Who Owe Sewer Fees to Pay Up

Bristol Township Manager Bill McCauley isn’t kidding: pay your delinquent sewer fees.

Bristol Township recently hired Portnoff Law Associates of Norristown to collect unpaid sewer fees in the township.

“Portnoff utilizes state law that allows the costs of collection to be imposed upon the delinquent property owners, creating incentive for them to pay, and reducing the burden of collection costs on those property owners who timely pay their sewer fees,” according to a township press release.

The township manager said in a statement that not paying sewer bills is “very serious.”

“The township was almost negligent in its collection practices, but that time is over now,” he said.

Here’s how the township says the process works:

After August 1, 2014, each delinquent property owner will receive a notice advising him or her of the balance due. Attached to the notice will be a schedule of legal fees that Portnoff Law Associates, Ltd. will potentially assess against the property, if the property owner fails to respond to the notice. Recipients of the notice will be afforded a thirty -day grace period within which to make payment arrangements. Property owners with large balances will be permitted to enter into payment arrangements of up to six (6) months and a hardship program allowing longer payment terms will be available to owner occupants experiencing financial difficulties.

After the grace period ends, Portnoff Law Associates, Ltd. will proceed with legal action on the unresolved accounts. Delinquent property owners who have failed to make payment arrangements or request hardship accommodations will be assessed the legal fees and costs associated with the collection of their accounts.

McCauley asked those who have yet to pay their delinquent sewer fees to do so before August 1. Payments can be sent to the Bristol Township Municipal Building, , 2501 Bath Road, Bristol, PA 19007.

“Make a payment plan and stick to the terms; the township does not want to have to take legal action, but it is not fair to our customers who always pay on time,” the township manager said. He added that property owners should contact Portnoff Law Associates upon receipt of the notice to avoid additional charges.

Bristol Township worked last year to collect unpaid sewer bills. At that time, township officials said some customers hadn’t paid their bills in a decade.

McCauley has worked during his time as township manager to increase revenue for the cash-strapped local government.