'Let's go after our money'

The Everly City Council on Monday agreed to go after a local property owner for a "substantial" unpaid utilities bill.

Council members agreed to seek judgment against Guardian Education & Athletic Services (GEAS) in district court for the delinquent tab, which includes water, sewer and gas services. GEAS owns the former Clay Central/Everly 7-12 grade building located at 306 East Second Street.

According to discussion, City Attorney Dennis Cmelik has advised the council to not publicly discuss the amount of the unpaid bill.

"It's substantial," said Mayor Ron Thompson. "They had been paying and then all of the sudden stopped. If you go a few months...then all of the sudden it's a huge chunk of change."

The council cannot assess the amount of the delinquent utilities on GEAS's property taxes because the entity is a non-profit organization and does not get assessed property taxes. According to discussion, a judgment in district court is the only option for the city to potentially recoup what it's owed barring a voluntary payment from the organization.

"There is no guarantee we'll get anything but we can at least try," Thompson said. "Let's go after our money."

All city-operated utilities have been shut off at the building.

Council Member Shaun Iske believed the city needed to start thinking about the building long-term. He said some residents have seen water issues at the property when it rains, and he feared soon it would become a nuisance.

Iske was also concerned that people might break windows at the empty property, illegally enter it and cause more damage.

"What's going to happen with the school 10 years from now?" he asked. "I don't want to tear it down tomorrow, but we need to think about it and have discussions."

Cmelik will be advised to proceed with the case.

"I think we have to get the ball rolling on this," said Thompson.

GEAS has owned the property since 2020 when it purchased the land and buildings from the CC/E school board for $5,000. The organization had big plans, billing the institution as an "intermediate college program" aimed at student-athletes who wished to continue their athletic careers while continuing their education. GEAS planned to provide a variety of offerings and athletic programs with the goal of reaching an annual enrollment of 100 students.

GEAS operated a martial arts training center out of the building for brief time after taking ownership; however, it has sat empty for several months.