MARION, Ohio -- Residents and business owners owe the city of Marion more than $5 million in unpaid sewer and sanitation bills.
Two people who owe the city are members of city council and their bills add up to about $10,000, NBC 4's Tanya Hutchins reported.
Marion's mayor said the bills date back to 1982 when the city took over the billing department.
"A lot of those folks that owe us may be deceased, moved out of the county, moved out of the state, we don't know," said Mayor Scott Schertzer.
Two of the people who owe are City Council President Dave Edwards and Finance Committee Chair Ralph Cumston, who own a rental property business together.
Cumston said the majority of the bills come from low- and middle-income tenants.
When you have 53 properties with 77 units, it doesn't take long. You can accrue $1.500 a month easy and that's what happened," Cumston said.
Cumston said the bills will get paid, but Marion residents are holding councilmembers to a high standard.
"It's not like it's $20. It's a high amount," said Susan Dickason, a Marion resident.
"I think that's wrong. I think everybody should pay their bills. It doesn't matter if you're a little peon or the president. You should pay your bills because it sets an example for everyone and your children," said Jerry McFarland, a Marion resident.
"It is what it is and I've been on council 12 years and when you do this, you expect this. It's not a problem," Cumston said.
Marion eventually gets its money after the utility bills are transferred to the customers' property tax bill.
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