(Posted March 8, 2018)
By Amanda Ensinger, Staff Writer
Mount Sterling leaders are cracking down on properties where trash and yard debris have piled up.
“If people call in and say they need more time to clean up their property, we will give them more time,” said Jack Dill, parks and recreation director, at village council’s March 4 meeting. “However, we are not going to be lenient.”
Mayor Billy Martin said nuisance properties have been a long-time problem in the village.
“This has been a terrible mess for years,” he said. “I’m glad we are being fair, but firm.”
Residents who are compliant can get involved in the clean-up effort by reporting nuisance properties to authorities, Dill said. Anonymous reports can be made via the village website, www.mtsterling.org.
“If we get the community to back us in these efforts we will get this village cleaned up,” Dill said.
“Our community still has great pride, despite what we have been through,” Martin added. “I know residents will take an active part in helping clean up our village.”
Work continues on collection of past-due water bills. So far, the village has collected $14,000 in delinquent payments and has just under $5,000 to go, said Misty Vance, utilities clerk.
To help protect against future delinquencies, village leaders are considering replacing the $150 refundable deposit residents pay with a smaller non-refundable deposit requirement.
Additionally, they want to make the billing process more efficient to eliminate unnecessary expenses and make sure everyone is paying their fair share.
“We have had 15 years of neglect, and we are working to clean up this problem,” Martin said. “We are still reviewing the billing method for quality.” A change in water rates also is under consideration.
