Q: How to address predatory city water charges in Michigan?
I have an issue with the city water municipal foreman in my town. I was charged $1,500 for my water bill, which later increased to $3,000 in six months without a clear explanation. Despite having the water shut off when the bill was $1,500 and receiving help from an agency to pay it off completely, they refuse to turn the water back on. They are now trying to add water service charges to my property taxes for a service I did not use. I believe this is predatory and feel extorted, just like others in my town. How can I address this issue legally?
A:
What 'town' is this? Are the payments made actually credited, and/or was there some sort of water leak or other situation that might have led to such a high bill before being shut off entirely? WERE any payments made?
Understand that municipal water supplies are empowered to attach unpaid amounts to real estate taxes under certain circumstances. You need to consult with a local attorney who can review ALL the paperwork and the situation and provide you real advice. I get that you're upset, but you need to get informed, not upset, and the way to do that is to consult with a local attorney.
In short, it is impossible to provide a real answer without more details!
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free 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 Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, 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.
