Illegal Sewer Connection

What is the name of your state? California. I received a registered letter from the County of San Bernardino. They say I owe $1720.55, breakdown as follows: $600 for 1983 sewer connection fee, $901.55 interest, and $219.00 sewer permit. This mountain cabin was never legally connected to the sewer, so no fees have been collected over the years. My wife and I bought the cabin in 1988, did title search and escrow. I was never aware of any problem. Just did a room/bathroom addition and the county noticed there was no sewer connection on record. My main issue is [1] the 1983 connection fee charge (we didn't even own the property!) and [2] interest over a period of time when we didn't own the property. Can I fight back?? I'm afraid it would cost more to hire an attorney than pay this, so looking for other options. THANKS!

[HomeGuru]

[quote]Originally posted by pberggr1
[b]What is the name of your state? California. I received a registered letter from the County of San Bernardino. They say I owe $1720.55, breakdown as follows: $600 for 1983 sewer connection fee, $901.55 interest, and $219.00 sewer permit. This mountain cabin was never legally connected to the sewer, so no fees have been collected over the years. My wife and I bought the cabin in 1988, did title search and escrow. I was never aware of any problem. Just did a room/bathroom addition and the county noticed there was no sewer connection on record. My main issue is [1] the 1983 connection fee charge (we didn't even own the property!) and [2] interest over a period of time when we didn't own the property. Can I fight back?? I'm afraid it would cost more to hire an attorney than pay this, so looking for other options. THANKS!

**A: yes, you can fight back but make sure you have all the pertinent info and support documentation.