Soap Lake mayor addresses utility debt

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake Mayor Peter Sharp said he's established a repayment plan with the city to pay an outstanding balances on his city utility accounts. Public records show Sharp owes about $3,600, with roughly $3,200 more than 90 days past due. 

Sharp acknowledged the balance in an interview and attributed it to a period of personal financial difficulty. 

“I’ve been struggling for months,” Sharp said. “I am making payments to get on track. It started with getting behind, and then late fees began to add up. I’m working with the city to get it paid off, and I’m hoping to do that in the next two months.” 

Sharp said he has not received a shut‑off notice and is working with city staff on a payment plan to resolve the balance. He also rejected suggestions that he received any special treatment. 

“I’m just human, like everyone else. Everyone has bills that pile up,” he said. “But in no way, shape, or form have I ever used my position as mayor to get something. One, it’s against the law. Two, it’s unethical. Three, that just isn’t me.” 

According to Soap Lake’s municipal code 13.18.070, utility payments are due on the 28th of each month. After that, a $25 late fee is added. If the account remains unpaid after 10 additional days, the city clerk is required to send a written notice. Continued nonpayment can result in service disconnection. 

The city confirmed that service shut off is considered a last resort, and residents are often offered payment plans depending on their circumstances. 

Public records show that 13 Soap Lake residents have had their utilities shut off over unpaid balances ranging from $1,300 to $7,500. City staff said that payment plans are offered in many cases but not all, and outcomes vary depending on whether customers communicate with the city or follow through on agreed terms. 

The records do not indicate whether each of these residents received the same type of payment plan the mayor is now using, nor do they show how long their accounts were delinquent before shut-off. 

Sharp also said he had concerns about rising utility costs in the city. 

“It’s a lot of money for water, sewer and garbage. It’s ridiculous,” he said. “I voted against the last rate increase when I was on the council, and now we have another increase coming.” 

Sharp said the city is working to increase revenue through the planned passport center and new income from the RV park, which he hopes may help reduce pressure on utility rates in the future.