Sending Account to Lien

Property owners are responsible for all balances owed for water that passes through the meter.  If the property is rented to another party it is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that water bills are paid in full.

Beginning in September, letters are sent to water customers with an outstanding balance for a prior fiscal year letting them know that their account will be turned over to the Freetown Treasurer’s Office for Lien if unpaid by the December date specified.  If we do not hear from the customer, a second letter is sent as a reminder, and then a third is sent before accounts are sent to lien.

What does it mean when an account is sent to lien?

• It means that your account is sent to the Freetown Treasurer’s Office for collection.
• The balance(s) will be added to your property tax bill for the following fiscal year.
• A demand fee of $15.00 for each prior year’s balance will be added.
• Beginning in the following May, the balance(s) will accrue interest at 14% daily until it is paid in full.
• Property owners are given opportunities to clear up unpaid balances.
• If a property owner’s real estate taxes are paid by a mortgage company, a lien will increase your monthly mortgage payment amount.
• If a property owner’s real estate taxes go unpaid and your account goes to Tax Title the interest rate increases to 16% daily until the taxes are paid or until your property goes into foreclosure.

For a current account balance, please contact Chandler, Senior Clerk, at 508.644.4000.