Bluffton council changed its monthly utility billing procedure on Monday.

At the recommendation of its utility committee and ordinance committee, residential property owners will receive utility bills on the rental properties that they own in the village.

This is a change from utility bills currently going directly to  renters of residential properties in the village.

The change affects between 125 and 145 rental properties.

Reasoning for the billing change is that the village often finds itself stuck with unpaid utility bills from renters, especially when renters move.

The new billing plan affects residential renter only – not apartment renters in downtown businesses. It will take affect with the next utility billing cycle.