Blind, Elderly Woman Threatened With Lien Over 1-Cent Bill
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A 74-year-old blind Attleboro woman was shocked when she got a letter from the city saying a lien would be placed on her home unless she pays an overdue water bill.
The amount? 1 cent.
Eileen Wilbur tells The Sun Chronicle of Attleboro the letter sent her blood pressure soaring, and pointed out that the stamp to send the letter cost 42 cents.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}City Collector Debora Marcoccio says the letter was among 2,000 sent out. She says a computer automatically prints letters for accounts with an overdue balance, and they were not reviewed by staff before being mailed.
The letter warned of a lien and a $48 penalty if the bill is not paid by Dec. 10.
Marcoccio insists the bill be paid.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Wilbur's daughter, Rose Brederson, called the situation "ridiculous."