Ask The Mayor

Q. - Our water is being shut off at the Oak Ridge Apartments, and the property is being foreclosed on.

 

We had no notice, we have no place to re-locate. The majority of us are elderly and/or disabled. We have paid out rent, now we are being put out with no notice.

 

Aren't there laws against what is being done to us? We/I would greatly appreciate any help or answers.

Answer - For about six months The City of Terrell Utility Department has been attempting to collect past due water and sewer bills owed by the Oak Ridge Apartments. They currently owe about $32,000. The City has done all it can to avoid terminating water and sewer services.

 

All tenants have been notified that the City of Terrell intends to discontinue water and sewer services on October 19 at 10:00 AM. This termination will take place unless there is full payment of the account.

 

There are other serious, unresolved problems at the complex. According to officials of the Municipal Development Department, several of the apartments have been declared uninhabitable due to dilapidated building conditions.

 

Property owners have been properly notified of this situation on several occasions. There has been no effort to submit any plans for the rehabilitation of these units.

 

Some tenants are currently receiving Section 8 housing assistance. Officials of the City Housing Department have notified qualified Section 8 tenants that assistance is available to help them to relocate prior to the termination of water and sewer services.

 

Sincerely,

 

Hal Richards, Mayor