Residents at Mount Union say it's likely their town will become unincorporated.

The city debt has become too high. Some residents say the blame can be placed on people not paying their sewer bill.

Dan Johnson has lived in Mount Union for more than 60 years. He was also the Mayor when the city got a new sewer system with Regional Utility Services System.

But not enough people have been paying their share.

"It's simple. I would have done what's in the contract. We would have assessed people who didn't pay their sewer bill and add it to their property taxes and there would be no situation like today," Johnson said.

"The city of Mount Union has failed to indemnify and honor any part of that contract," RUSS's Executive Director Bruce Hudson said.

As many as 20 Mount Union residents have failed to pay sewer bills each month, which is now $150 a month.

Current Mount Union Mayor John Marek says many of the town's residents can't afford their monthly sewer bills.

"There's no contract with the people or the individuals and the sewer," Marek said.

If Mount Union becomes unincorporated, officials with Henry County will decide how to go after people not paying sewer bills.

"In some aspects it may be better it it's the county they can come around and get citizens to do what they're supposed to be doing," Hudson said.

The city hopes to submit an official proposal for unincorporation to the state of Iowa within the next six months. However residents can call for a special election during this time.