BELLE — A string of water-related ordinances and revisions that the Belle Board of Aldermen began approving last fall continues to be the cause of angst among landlords and residents. A more recent ordinance revision requires landlords to pay bills associated with their property, despite the account being in the tenants’ name.

Jeff Honse, owner of Parkview Apartments, addressed the board on April 9 during the public comments period.

“I just wanted to address the council on a bill — an invoice — I received from a tenant,” Honse began. “I’m not going to say his name, but I’ve got someone else’s water bill here that’s not mine, it’s a tenant. I don’t feel like it’s my responsibility to pay that. We went through this stuff on Sept. 12 (2024) with everyone here since last fall. I got this invoice for $158 and I think I’ve talked to just about everybody about it. In this letter I also got this new paper here. Looks like ya’ll made a new ordinance on Nov. 12, 2024, after the fact — once I got everyone compliant. I didn’t know we made up rules as we went along. It’s basically saying I’m responsible for my tenants’ water and sewer bills. I was responsible for that over the last 10 years of my ownership and ya’ll made an ordinance. I thought we was getting along just fine. I got everyone took care of, but I got one person here that’s not payin’ their water bill. I’m trying to figure out how that’s Parkview Apartment’s problem.”

No one responded to Honse’s questions at first. Mayor James (Pudd) Mitchell addressed Honse.

“The other ordinance is from 2001,” Mitchells said and Honse agreed. “Does it say that if it’s a fourplex or more —.”

“Yes, it does,” Honse agreed. “That’s the reason those apartments have been like they was for the last 40 years. The landlord paid the water and sewer. You guys changed the rules, so I obliged you all by doing what you wanted. I took this young lady up, we got people signed up, and I washed my hands of it. I thought I’d done good.”

Mitchell said the board thought Honse did good as well.

“I don’t want to be responsible for somebody else’s water bill,” Honse said. “Now, if we want to do that, I’ll be responsible for it, like I was my whole life. I’ll pay it. But I’m not gonna do somebody else’s water bill, when they don’t even have a meter.”

Mitchell said that when he and Honse spoke previously, Honse told Mitchell they needed to have a good rapport with the tenants.

“We went up to Durral’s probably four or five times,” Mitchell said. “He wouldn’t answer the door. He finally did come in and pay somethin’ — what did he pay?” Mitchell asked Charro Reasor, city treasurer.

“He paid the first month and the first quarter of his bill,” Reasor said.

Mitchell said he hasn’t been back since and won’t talk to the city.

“I just don’t feel like it’s my responsibility,” Honse said. “I’ve been a business owner in the city of Belle since I was 19 years-old. It’s been almost 37 years now. When I go to conduct business with people, I try to get along with ‘em, let ‘em know what’s going on ahead of time, even last Sept. 12. But when I get a letter saying ‘this is what you’re gonna do, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom — I never did conduct business like that. I guess you all can do what you want to, but I want to let you know I’m not goin’ to pay this bill for somebody else’s water. So, thank you.”

“Mhm,” Mitchell said as Honse returned to his chair.

The board didn’t comment on the issue or Honse’s statement. Mitchell introduced the topic of the monthly bills.

Honse stood to leave.

“Ya’ll have a good night,” Mitchell said. “Thanks for comin’.”