The bill amends the Revised Code to establish new limitations on the recovery of unpaid water, sewer, and disposal service rates by municipalities against property owners of non-owner-occupied properties. Key provisions include a requirement for municipalities to provide additional certification to the county auditor when certifying a municipal lien, which must include the parcel number, property owner's name, and verification of the information submitted. Municipalities are mandated to attempt to collect unpaid charges at least three times and wait a minimum of 180 days before certifying a lien. The bill also introduces definitions for terms such as "municipal services" and "property owner," clarifying the responsibilities involved in the collection process.

Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for addressing improper billing complaints, requiring municipal service providers to investigate and resolve complaints within ten business days, with an appeal process available if unresolved. It specifies that property owners must be notified before a lien is placed on their property and that verification of this notice is necessary before certification to the county auditor. The bill also details the distribution of collected amounts, allocating 90% to a fund for water rents and charges and 10% to the county treasurer's delinquent tax and assessment collection fund. Several existing sections of the Revised Code are repealed as they are superseded by these new provisions.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 321.261, 701.10, 729.49, 735.29, 743.04, 743.06