IRON MOUNTAIN — A policy change introduced in 2024 to reduce Iron Mountain water service shutoffs has worked in that regard but it’s also led to more delayed payments.

The city will soon publish a list of $78,034 in unpaid water bills, with a payment deadline of April 30. It’s a final chance to pay delinquent accounts before they’re transferred to the property tax roll as a special assessment.

There are 246 delinquent accounts, including 46 customers who’ve made no payments for an entire year, said City Manager Jordan Stanchina. The non-payments are occurring despite a 5% initial penalty for an overdue bill, along with monthly interest charges of 1.5%.

Questioned Monday by Mayor Dale Alessandrini, Stanchina said he believes the policy change was a positive move because “shutoffs are an absolute pain.” He acknowledged some customers are opting for interest charges in lieu of timely payments but added, “That’s the choice they’re making.”

Before 2024, the one-time penalty for overdue accounts was 10% with no monthly interest penalty. In 2023, there were 80 delinquent accounts, Stanchina said. That climbed to 140 in 2024 and 214 in 2025.

Alessandrini cited this year’s $78,034 delinquency total — up from $62,089 in 2025 and roughly $20,000 in 2024 — and wondered if the city’s pocketbook ultimately takes a hit.

“We get paid (through tax collections),” Stanchina said, noting shutoffs carry their own burden in time and expense, not to mention the disruption for customers.

The city’s publication list applies to bills overdue by at least 90 days. Total amounts due range from a low of $2.40 to a high of $2,778.41. In all, there are 13 accounts owing more than $1,000.

In addition to the interest charges for overdue water bills, delinquent property taxes are charged 1% interest per month in the first year of delinquency. In the second year of delinquency, the interest increases to 1.5% per month, plus additional fees.

Parcels are forfeited to the county treasurer when property taxes are in the second year of delinquency. If taxes remain unpaid as of March 31 in the third year of delinquency, the property owner faces foreclosure.

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Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.