Sharp utility account receives additional scrutiny

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake Mayor Peter Sharp has paid his city utility balance in full after previously owing nearly $3,600, according to city staff. Of that amount, roughly $3,200 had been more than 90 days past due, based on public records. 

Sharp previously told the Columbia Basin Herald he had arranged a payment plan with the city to resolve the overdue balance. However, City Clerk Coley Olson said this was not accurate. 

“He never had a payment plan established with us,” Olson said. 

City staff confirmed Sharp paid the remaining balance in full.  

When contacted for further comment, including whether a payment plan had ever existed, Sharp declined to elaborate. 

“It’s paid in full,” he wrote, and did not respond to additional questions. 

While Sharp has maintained that he received no special treatment, questions about payment arrangements have surfaced among residents and some city officials. The city’s municipal code states that delinquent customers may contact the clerk’s office to “make arrangements to bring the account current,” though it does not specify what types of arrangements may be offered. 

Soap Lake City Council Member Andrew Arnold said his own attempt to set up a payment arrangement in 2022 was unsuccessful. Arnold said he received a shut‑off notice and contacted the city for a one-day extension. 

“They told me flat out they don’t do payment arrangements,” Arnold said. 

He said he later protested by blocking access to his water meter before ultimately paying the bill in full the next day.  

Arnold said he believed the handling of his own account contrasted with Sharp’s recent statements.  

“To me, something didn’t add up,” he said, adding that the matter had not come before the City Council.  

Arnold also expressed concern about the potential for Sharp having a payment plan, asking if it would be a conflict of interest for Sharp to oversee the staff in charge of setting up such plans.  

According to RCW 24.23.030, it is not allowed for any municipal officer to benefit directly, or indirectly in any contract made by or under the supervision of said officer.  

The city code outlines a process for delinquent accounts, including written notice, late fees and eventual service shutoff if a customer does not pay or make arrangements with the city clerk. It also includes a dispute‑resolution mechanism for customers who contest their bills. 

According to previously obtained public records, 13 Soap Lake residents have had their utilities shut off for unpaid balances ranging from $1,300 to $7,500, and that the city has offered payment plans in some cases, depending on communication and circumstances, according to Olson. However, Olson said the city has no active payment plans as of Monday.  

Sharp has not publicly addressed whether his account followed the same process or whether any internal arrangements were made. He has rejected claims that he received special treatment. 

“In no way, shape or form have I ever used my position as mayor to get something,” Sharp said in a previous interview.