Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Past Due Amounts Climb In Cycle 3 For Month Of July

News flash  the cycle 3 accounts for Prescott's electric utility dropped in number, but rose in the amount owed by more than $10,000 in July.

According to figures released from the City of Prescott, there were 112 accounts overdue for the third cycle in July, compared to 122 in June.

But, while there were 10 fewer late accounts, the amount owed in July rose to $196,221.16, as compared to June's figures of $185,416.18, a difference of $10,426.18.

The major reason for the increase in the amount, once again, is the defunct Nevada County Hospital, sitting empty, eating electricity so it doesn't completely collapse. In fact, the hospital account alone was $151,525.93.

This leaves the other commercial and residential accounts owing $44,695.23.

The issue of these overdue accounts was brought up at the Prescott City Council meeting Monday, July 17, by councilman Howard Austin, who asked what was being done.

He was informed by Prescott Mayor Howard Taylor this problem has existed since the first meter was put in, and then ignored the question.

Of the 112 overdue accounts for cycle 3, 21 were 60 days late, while 16 were 90 or more days in arrears. But, 18 accounts had been paid off in full, while 75 accounts on the list were new.

Seven accounts had balances owed in excess of $1,000, with the single largest one, aside from the hospital, being $4,038.76. The least amount owed in cycle 3 for July was $1.38. This is no misprint, the account balance, according to the city's data, showed a bill of $1.38.

Of the 112 overdue accounts, six had balances of less than $100.

Even though the city has an ordinance pertaining to the shutting off of accounts 60 or more days past due, this problem persists.