A hot off the press release by Shreveport Mayor Arceneaux’s office titled “City of Shreveport Reaches Payment Agreement with Sanctuary Apartments Owner: Water Service Restored”. Attached below, presents more questions than answers.
Here are the questions:
1. The last media report stated that the outstanding water bill was $145,000. Why less than 50% paid to get the water cut on immediately?.
2. What happens if the owner fails to comply with the payment agreement—is the water to be cut off again and what happens to any tenants at the time.
3. Will the City and associated nonprofit agencies to be reimbursed for the efforts to relocate all the tenants when the water was cut off.
4. If any former tenants who left the complex when the water was cut off chose to return, will they be reimbursed any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in vacating.
5. Acceptance of personal liability and agreement to Caddo District Court jurisdiction by the apartment owner may ensure a judgement if the owner defaults, but not payment.
6. Why would any former tenants or prospective new tenants want to risk returning to the complex and have no water at a future date.
The press release states, in part, that “the agreement establishes a clear path toward resolving the outstanding debt while requiring the property owner to remain current on future payment.”
Hmm.
Upon close examination, this “clear path” looks murky at best, sorta like some of the water Shreveporters have experienced out of their taps in the recent past.
A copy of the agreements with the apartment owner has been requested.
