Flint to shut off water to 31 residents behind on bills

Flint will shut off water service to 31 residential customers with delinquent accounts, officials said Thursday.

The city has identified the customers as account holders who owe between $2,000 to $5,600 and who have not made any payment on their bills in at least 15 months, they said.

The news comes about a week after the city said it would begin shutting off water service to customers behind on their bills.

“We are working to get some assistance for those who really can’t afford to pay their utility bills," Flint Mayor Karen Weaver said Thursday in a statement. "I hope to have more information about that soon. In the meantime, the city needs residents who can pay to pay what they can.”

On Thursday, officials visited the residences of those customers and left shut off notices, after making several unsuccessful attempts to collect payment. Service to those homes will be shut off the week of April 10 unless the account owners pay the amount of current bills in addition to 10 percent of the past due balance.

In addition to the notices, customers were also given information about agencies and organizations that can help residents with severe financial challenges make their minimum payments.

“By law, the city of Flint is required to collect payment from customers receiving water and sewer services,” David Sabuda, the city's interim Chief Financial Officer, said in a statement. “We need to show the state that our residents are paying for services the city is providing. Too many uncollected bills for the water and sewer funds will create more financial hardships for the city as we work to move forward.”

Customers with financial hardships in need of help to pay water or sewer bills should call (810) 766-7015 or visit Flint City Hall to discuss payment options with a representative.

cramirez@detroitnews.com