Dive Summary:

• Rapid City, South Dakota intends to write off $192,000 in unpaid 2012 utility bills stemming from businesses and individuals ranging from as little as $10 to as much as $11,000.
• Approximately 900 bills have yet to be paid, with almost all of them closer to a few hundred dollars or less.
• Local aldermen are concerned the city hasn't done enough to recover the money, but City Attorney Joel Landeen said it would likely cost more in staff hours than the city would recover in past-due bills.

From the article:

Ward 2 Alderman Steve Laurenti asked if the city could revoke or not renew licenses of businesses that failed to pay their bills.

Sumption said that only certain types of businesses — such as pawn shops and taxis — need a license from the city. The city would have no such leverage over other businesses, she said. ...