Unpaid fees to the Green Lane Marlborough Sewer Authority have been an issue during Oleg Zonis' 18 months on the board. At the beginning of every monthly meeting, Solicitor Eric Frey updates the members on the amount.

            Recently, the issue has reached a critical mass as the amount approaches six figures, according to Zonis. Earlier this month, Green Lane Borough Council officials announced that the authority was seeking $97,000 in unpaid fees.

            Nineteen property owners, who account for approximately 10 percent of the authority's total customers, have unpaid fees, according to Zonis, the authority president. He said one property – identified previously by Green Lane council by Vice President Gerald Godshall as a home in Sumneytown – owes $29,000.

            A couple of other residents owe "multiple thousand dollars" in unpaid fees, according to Zonis, who declined to provide further details. Frey did not return multiple phone messages seeking comment.

            According to the authority president, it's only legal option to recoup those funds is to file a lien on the property, which means that it would receive payment when the property is sold. However, he said the authority might not be compensated quickly if the owner dies or declared bankruptcy.

            By requesting that municipal officials comment publically, authority members were hoping to spark a conversation with the community, according to Zonis. He said the authority is currently attempting to collect the delinquent funds, and that the solicitor is sending notices to some of the property owners. Some of the properties are in bankruptcy, and that other property owners have died.

            Shutting off a property's access to the authority can only be done from inside the house or by removing the underground attachment, according to Member Burt Shive. He said it's virtually impossible without digging up the property's front yard.

            According to Shive, the issue with the property that owes $29,000 has been ongoing for 12 to 15 years and is too convoluted to explain.

            "We're trying to find out who exactly is the owner," he said.

            According to Shive, who joined the authority in January of 2018, the members have discussed the issue, but wanted to provide residents with an opportunity to catch up before sending "nasty letters" and filing liens.

            During the Green Lane meeting, Godshall said that the large amount of delinquent fees could force the authority to raise its rates. Shive expressed hope that another hike won't be necessary.  "Hopefully, we don't have to get to that point," he said.

            The authority recently approved a $10.08 rate increase. Residents pay $211.58 per quarter, while commercial properties raise $335.69, according to Shive.