Water ban violators could see fine on water bills

CUMMING - People who violate the water ban in Forsyth County could see the fine included on their water bills.

"One of the options being examined would be adding an administrative fine to a customer's water bill and then allowing that customer to contest the fine in front of a tribunal," said Forsyth County government spokeswoman Jodi Gardner.

Under the change, people would be able to protest the fines they are assessed. But instead of pleading in court, they would have to pay the fine and then appeal to a new tribunal to seek a refund.

"This was an item that was discussed at a recent Board of Commissioners meeting," Gardner said. "It's only in the discussion phase at this time."

Forsyth County Commission Chairman Charles Laughinghouse says sometimes 30 people from the water department are sitting in Magistrate Court. As of October, the county had issued 2,265 warnings to water violators this year. About 165 citations had gone to Magistrate Court.

Violators are expected to appear in Magistrate Court, but they can avoid a court appearance by paying the fine.

County Attorney Ken Jarrard says about 25 percent of offenders appear before the magistrate.

Jarrard will present a proposal to the County Commission that would include establishing a tribunal, where citations could be appealed.