Posted on December 12, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
North Judson’s billing clerk came before the Town Council last Monday to discuss the possibility of developing an ordinance that would change the way the town bills utilities at rented properties.
Billing Clerk Jennifer Vanek described the current method of billing renters for their utilities as cumbersome. She asked the council to consider creating an ordinance that would require a property owner to keep all bills in their name.
She noted that Town Attorney Justin Schramm is familiar with the process since he just recently created a similar ordinance for the Town of Winamac.
Vanek mentioned that there would be a couple of benefits to switching the procedure. For instance, the Town would save significantly on postage and envelopes since they would be able to bulk the bills for a particular property owner and send them all together rather than sending out one bill to each individual tenant.
Vanek said the change would also reduce the clerical work since Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe would no longer be required to take deposits or establish new accounts every time a renter switches.
Councilman James Young voiced his support for the proposed ordinance and noted that it would add more accountability into the renting process. Councilwoman Jane Ellen Felchuck mentioned that as someone who rents properties, this is a practice she has personally been utilizing for years and she doesn’t find it to be difficult.
A motion was made to allow Vanek to work with Town Attorney Schramm to create the ordinance described in her request. The motion passed with unanimous council approval
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