JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) –For residents who have outstanding water bills with the City of Jackson, you may want to pay them off.

Officials said in Thursday’s council meetings that they would turn the water off on customers who have a bills that is more than 30 days late.

They’re hoping this will push people to start making payments.

The City of Jackson is currently experiencing a shortfall of about $18 million for the fiscal year 2016. Leaving the water on for past due customers is costing the city money.

Councilman Melvin Priester Jr. said outstanding water bills seems to be one of the only things that is within the city’s control when it comes to the $18 million shortfall.

Officials with the city’s administration said the cutoffs would come sometime after July 4th.

Below is a statement from the city about what residents should do if they have questions about outstanding bills:

The City continuously monitors the system and is encouraged by the progress that has been made since the implementation of the software in August 2015. Customers who have any questions about their bills are asked to contact the Water Sewer Business Administration at 601-960-2000. There are payment plans available for customers who are having difficulty paying their bills. The moratorium on shutoffs is still temporarily in place, but customers are encouraged to contact WSBA as soon as possible if they have delinquent accounts.