NC H533

Unpaid utility service charges in the Towns of Cerro Gordo and Fair Bluff become a lien on the property served if not paid within 10 days after the charge becomes due.

The lien applies only when the property owner is in actual possession of the property at the time the utility service was rendered.

Towns may collect unpaid utility liens through court action or by having the tax collector sell the property at the county courthouse door after advertising the sale once weekly for four successive weeks in a local newspaper.

Property sales for unpaid utility liens follow the same rules, regulations, costs, penalties, and redemption rights as foreclosures for unpaid property taxes.

The act becomes effective July 1, 2011 and applies only to the Towns of Cerro Gordo and Fair Bluff.