Waycross Given Chance to Fix Billing Late Fees

ATLANTA — A measure cracking down on the city of Waycross’s ability to set higher late fees than Ware County for water and sewer bills has been shelved to give the city a chance to address the issue.

Rep. Mark Hatfield, R-Waycross, said he pulled House Bill 1476 from a slate of local bills being considered by the House after the city asked him to allow them to try to handle the late fees without legislation.

City officials said lowering late fees from $20 to $5 and limiting reconnection charges to $15 could blow a $20,000 hole in the Waycross budget.

Another measure limiting the voting power of individuals with multiple accounts with the Satilla Regional Water and Sewer Authority did pass as part of the local slate, which won approval on a 149-0 vote. The measure would cap the votes any one person can have at five, regardless of how many accounts they might hold.

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