Resident urges Muncie City sanitary board to review lien notification after sewer bills

A resident told the Board of Sanitary Commissioners on March 4 that the sanitary district placed liens on two properties this year without effective advance notice and that courthouse staff initially would not accept payments to clear those liens, a process the speaker said can block real-estate closings.

"I've never had a lien and I didn't even get notified," the resident said, adding that in 40 years of owning property they had not previously seen such a filing. The speaker said they attempted to pay the amounts at the county courthouse but were told clerks were "not even set up to take your checks" and that even after paying some receipts, the liens would not be removed until July.

The comment came during the board's public comment period. The resident urged the board to "take a better look at this" because liens that remain on title can delay or stop property transactions.

William Shields, who identified himself as a resident of 48 West San Piper Court, also raised billing concerns. Shields said his sewer bill rose to about $31.40 from roughly $26 and questioned how rates could increase while his household's water use remains low. He noted the district's base rate and said ditch-assessment service in his neighborhood appears lacking.

"I'm retired. I'm on a fixed income," Shields said, urging the board to consider the impact of rate changes on older residents.

Ricky, who described himself as a "newsman and author," told the board that residents have reported what he estimated were double-digit rate increases over recent years and urged better public notice when rates change. He separately raised concerns about downtown gas-line work by CenterPoint and the company’s impact on sidewalks and businesses, saying the city or public works should follow up.

Chair said the board would "take them up" and look into the lien and billing complaints.

Why it matters: If sewer liens are placed without clear notification and cannot be promptly removed after payment, property sales and closings can be delayed. Multiple commenters also raised broader questions about rate increases and local infrastructure work that the board may need to address in future agenda items.

What the board did: The board did not take formal action on the public comments at this meeting beyond saying it would investigate the issues raised. The meeting record shows the board proceeded to approve routine minutes and claims later in the agenda.

Notes: The transcript used the word "lean" in several places; reporting text uses the correct legal term "lien." The transcript also abbreviates the locality as "Muny" in one segment; this report uses the verified name "Muncie City."