Gulfport officials are calling for stronger oversight after City records revealed significant unpaid balances at the marina and in City utility accounts.
Photo by Patrick Heinzen
The Oct. 1, Accounts Receivable Aging Report shows $67,743.93 owed across 67 active marina accounts at the Gulfport Municipal Marina.
Several customers have missed payments for months, and a few owe more than $3,000 each. Finance staff confirmed the delinquencies include both live-aboard and dry-storage users.
Gulfport’s Council members agreed the marina must strengthen enforcement.
During public comment at the Oct. 21 meeting, resident Lauren Stern questioned Council on the overdue bills.
“Open accounts that have hundreds or thousands of dollars of balances… I would love for that to be looked at, to be fair,” Stern said.
Some residents say the City needs a process so responsible customers aren’t covering the debt of others.
Unpaid Bills at the Gulfport Marina
The same report lists multiple utility accounts marked “Unknown Occupant.” Some continue to accrue monthly charges without a verified accountholder.
City Manager Jim O’Reilly said State law restricts billing anyone who never signed for service.
City Clerk Theresa Carrico confirmed the City writes off unpaid balances after two years and does not use collections or credit reporting.
She said staff plan to review billing and collection procedures before the next fiscal year.
Council members expressed support for a more transparent system to ensure accountability in City billing practices.
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