Donor Pays Bill for Man Who Won’t Pay Trash Fee

A Municipal Court judge has dismissed criminal charges against an irascible Glendora resident who refused to pay his trash fee after learning that an anonymous donor paid the delinquent bills.

Francis Craft, who hasn’t paid the mandatory fee for garbage pickup since August, 1990, said he was angry that someone paid the overdue bills.

“Whoever paid it off should mind their own damn business,” he said. “Are they trying to make me look like I’m for the trash company? If I want to use it, I’ll sign up for it.”

Craft failed to appear in court Monday for a hearing at which Municipal Judge Abraham Khan said he intended to impose fines of $27 each for three infractions if Craft failed to pay the overdue bills and penalties. But city officials told Khan they had received the payment of $260.58 in the city’s night deposit box last month.

Craft could end up in court again, however, because he still owes $21.75 on his current bimonthly bill. He only paid a portion, $8.67 for water usage. If he fails to pay by May 7, the city may file new charges or turn off his water, said Larry Shroeder, city finance director.

“Hell no, I’m not going to pay it,” Craft said, arguing that it’s illegal for the city to charge him. He says he does not produce any trash.