Norman, OK asked in Municipal Law for Oklahoma

Q: Can the town of Goldsby place an ambulance subscription charge on the water bill of $10.00 per month?

I have told them I want to opt out of the arrangement, but they still are billing me. I have paid the billing so as not to create a conflict. I sent notice via email as well as placing notice with the payment of the water bill, but they seem intent on pursuing this collection.

Related Topics:
2 Lawyer Answers
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Municipal Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: The ability of a town like Goldsby, Oklahoma, to add an ambulance subscription charge to water bills typically depends on the town's ordinances and regulations. Municipalities sometimes impose such charges to fund emergency medical services, and these charges can often be mandatory.

If you have already attempted to opt out and communicated your request to the town authorities without success, it's important to review the specific local laws or regulations that govern these charges. There may be specific provisions or processes for opting out that need to be followed.

Given that you've been unsuccessful in resolving this through direct communication, consider attending a town council meeting or reaching out to a local representative to voice your concerns. These public forums can be effective in addressing such issues.

If the charge is indeed mandatory according to local law, and there is no provision for opting out, it may be challenging to remove this charge from your bill. In such cases, understanding your rights and the town's legal authority is crucial.

If you continue to face challenges with this issue, consulting with an attorney who has experience in municipal law might provide clarity on your options and any potential legal recourse. An attorney can help you understand the legality of the charge and advise on the best course of action based on your specific situation.

Remember, dealing with municipal charges often requires navigating complex local regulations, and professional legal advice can be invaluable in such situations.

1 user found this answer helpful

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
Answered
  • Little Neck, NY

A: Towns can take such measures nationwide, depending on their by-laws and regulations, as my colleague describes. At this point though, it could be water under the bridge if the leaders have already brought up the issue at meetings, provided opportunity for feedback, and the overall consensus was in favor. A local attorney who works with municipal and administrative matters could advise more definitively. Good luck

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.