Water Bill Deadbeats, Beware

Customers of the Johnston Water Department who owe back payments must at least make arrangements to pay their balances by Oct. 5 or risk having their water shut off, Mayor Joseph Polisena announced on Sept. 26.

Joined by members of the town council during a press conference at , Polisena explained that some 360 customers owe a total of nearly $228,000 in water fees that date back up to four years — and the town is now taking steps to collect that money.

The shut-off plans will not affect customers with current balances, the mayor pointed out.

"We're not going to listen to any more excuses," Polisena said, adding the town is also offering payment plans for customers who owe more than $300. "We're looking to help people — not hurt people — but by the looks of some of these bills, they're trying to hurt the taxpayers."

Council President Robert V. Russo complimented Polisena for setting up the program, and said the owed money could go to much-needed projects in town.

Under the town's payment program, anyone who owes more than $300 will be required to pay half of their overdue balance — one customer owes more than $9,300, Polisena noted — and agree to a weekly payment plan. In addition, the customer must sign an affadavit agreeing to future payments.

Without an agreement in place by Oct. 5 — or payment in full by that date — the town will stop water service, Polisena said.

Shut-offs will also incur an additional $100 fee to restart service.

"There are other taxpayers in town who are picking up the tab for $229,000 — everybody else is paying for this water bill," Polisena explained. "The taxpayers can't afford to let this go on any longer."