Some North Vernon residents could find themselves in civil court if they don’t pay their overdue trash bills.

During Monday night’s meeting of the City Council, city utility officials asked for guidance on how to proceed with customers who are refusing to pay their trash bills. Staff say that the vast majority of non-payers are in the recently annexed area between Highway 7 and State Road 3.

Shawn Gerkin, city clerk-treasurer, says that arrears accounts have exceeded $2,000.

City Attorney Larry Greathouse explained that the city’s options are limited, as it can’t place liens for non-payment of trash services. However, he explained that by filing against the late account owners in small claims court, liens could be placed for non-payment.

The City Council instructed Greathouse to work with utilities staff to begin the small claims cases.