PETERSBURG, Va. -- Petersburg city vehicles are in danger of no longer being serviced after the company who provides the service has threatened to sue the city due to an unpaid bill of approximately $844,000.
The company, First Vehicle Services, is contracted to service every police car, fire truck, and Petersburg city vehicle.
That contract expires Friday, August 19.
In a letter sent to the city of Petersburg this week, First Vehicle Services, says they will no longer provide services to the city due to the approximately $844,000 they say is owed to them.
"If they don't get paid you can understand why they're not going to do the work on the vehicles," said a concerned citizen.
Sources tell CBS 6 reporter Wayne Covil first responders, like police officers and firefighters have concerns about who will now do the maintenance on their vehicles.
"Well especially the emergency vehicles, I think that they need to be maintained properly for the safety and welfare of the city," the citizen added.
The letter says the contract dates back to August 18, 2014 and that there have been countless efforts to collect the unpaid debt.
The company concluded the letter saying they will sue the city for the debt.
CBS 6 went to the city of Petersburg about Friday being First Vehicle Services’ last day. They sent us a statement that read.
"The city terminated this contract in April, since this time the city has plans to move all repairs in house as a budget efficiency."
Sources tell Wayne Covil several departments have not been told what those plans are and some who closely follow events in the city say it will be hard to find local businesses willing to do maintenance work, considering the city's track record of paying bills.
This comes after two CBS 6 investigations Wednesday revealed the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority is threatening to suspend trash service due to $632,894 unpaid debt; and the city’s money woes could put crucial firefighting equipment in jeopardy.
Earlier this month, an audit revealed the city owes $18.8 million in unpaid bills. The debt includes, $14.7 million to external entities, such as contractors and $4.1 million for internal loans.
