Metropolis Landlords Voice Complaints About Delinquent Bill Collection

Metropolis, Illinois landlords showed up to last night’s city council meeting en masse to protest the city’s policy of holding them responsible for the delinquent utility bills of their renters. City Clerk Jan Adams says the ordinance passed in 2008, but recent revenue shortages made it necessary to start collecting from the owners of properties with unpaid bills. The ordinance says property owners must pay for the outstanding sewer, water, and trash bills on their properties. Adams says that, while she understands why landlords are upset by the change, the city is still responsible for paying the bills and the money must be collected from someone. She says the city ordinance committee will review the issue at a meeting next Tuesday at 1 pm.