A Warner Robins trailer park owes the city more $157,144.12 in unpaid utility bills.
A letter from the city clerk to the Holiday Riviera's owner says the bills have to be paid or the utilities will be shut off.
13WMAZ obtained a copy of the December 16th letter and amounts due on the accounts through an open records request.
Litter and burnt out trailers pose the obvious problems at the Holiday Riviera Mobile Home Park, but another may be forming for its tenants.
New tenant Chris Byrd said, "Got a good deal on the trailer."
He moved in last week, and said he was not aware that its Florida based owners owe about $157,000 in late water, sewer, trash and stormwater utility bills. Byrd said, "Hopefully they can get it paid."
The city set a March 31st deadline for payment. If the bill is not paid in full, the letter to the park's owner, Michael Gottlieb, said the city would disconnect services. Gottlieb is the owner of Holiday & Park Riviera MHP LLC with an address in Delray Beach, Florida.
Debbie Hancock with the City of Warner Robins Utlitiy Department says the mobile home park owners have shown a willingness to pay. She said they have made some form of payment every month. Hancock said the fell behind because of extensive damage to the lines caused by the widening of Carl Vinson Parkway, where the park is located.
Records show several payments made in December, but park management wasn't available to answer questions. We found the office closed Wednesday afternoon, and the Florida based owner didn't return calls.
Willie Williams is a tenant. He said, "I can't understand why they ain't paying."
Williams said the park raised rent last year, soon after a
13WMAZ report about drainage problems in the park.
He said, "They keep telling us they're going up on the rent to pay for utility and water bills. They haven't been doing it. I think it's a disgrace."
City attorney Jim Elliott said if the balances are not paid, the city could take legal action to get the money.
He said the city is always working with customers to help them make payments, but this situation is unusual because of the high dollar amount owed.