Rush Township has hired Portnoff Law Associates Ltd. to collect its delinquent garbage fees and sewer fees.

After Feb. 19, each delinquent property owner will receive a notice advising him or her of the balance due.Attached to the notice will be a schedule of legal fees that Portnoff Law Associates will potentially assess against the property, if the property owner fails to respond to the notice.Recipients of the notice will be afforded a 30-day grace period within which to make payment arrangements.Property owners with large balances will be permitted to enter into payment arrangements of up to six months, and a hardship program allowing longer payment terms will be available to owner occupants experiencing financial difficulties.After the grace period ends, Portnoff Law Associates will proceed with legal action on the unresolved accounts.Delinquent property owners who have failed to make payment arrangements or request hardship accommodations will be assessed the legal fees and costs associated with the collection of their accounts.Rush Township urges property owners who have not yet paid their delinquent garbage fees and sewer fees to do so prior to March 20 by mailing payment to Rush Township.Alternatively, property owners should contact Portnoff Law Associates promptly upon receipt of the notice to avoid additional charges.