MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon residents who have lost their homes to foreclosure could continue to face water bills from the city if measures aren’t taken. Even then, families will have to come up with more money to keep the bills from piling up.

“Sometimes banks won’t file a new title for months, so billing continues to go to the owner on record who is responsible for the utilities,” said Pam Muralt, administrator for billing and customer service for the Mount Vernon water department.

Muralt said she wasn’t sure why banks take so long with deed transfers, but until that transfer happens, former owners are responsible for the bill regardless of whether or not they live there.

To remedy the situation, Muralt said, those responsible for water bills should notify the water department about their situation to get the ball rolling to stop service at the foreclosed address.

“We make sure the account is paid up to date and then we can file a waiver of minimum charges,” she said.

The waiver, which comes with a one-time $50 fee, puts the account in an inactive status.

“There is no need to feel threatened or intimidated,” Muralt said for those in this situation. “We want to work with [them] on this.”

Although it may be hard to come up with an extra $50, Muralt said, it’s better than receiving quarterly bills until a transfer is made.

Even when a meter reading shows no water use, unless an official waiver is filed, the city will bill the minimum $82.20 per quarter. Unfortunately, she said, if the property is transferred to a bank, there is no guarantee the city will receive payment if the property is not under a waiver.

“Some Realtors will include water bills in the closing, but banks don’t always take responsibility,” Muralt said. “I’ve had bills we’ve sent out half a dozen times to banks in Texas or California that don’t even acknowledge them and we have to write them off. It’s hard to get banks to be responsible.”

The city has 7,000 water customers; about 200 meters are currently not in service, according to Muralt.

“These can be new services that aren’t activated, residents on vacation or away for an extended period, fire damage, foreclosure or dilapidated buildings,” she said.

A waiver of minimum charges can be picked up at the Mount Vernon Department of Water and Wastewater, 3 N. Gay St. Questions can be asked by calling 393-9504.