SAUGATUCK, Mich. (WZZM) - A battle is brewing in one of West Michigan's biggest tourist towns after a local businessman says he had to clean the city's bathrooms.
The incident happened in August, when the tourist season was at its peak. Now, the man is billing the city for his time.
Businessman Steve Oswald says back on August 9th, customers were complaining about the condition of the public bathrooms.
Oswald says there was paper all over the floor and it was "just, a bad bathroom - a really bad bathroom. I wouldn't have sat down there either."
Oswald called someone from the city council, who in turn, called the mayor. But, after 15 minutes, Oswald got frustrated and took the matter into his own hands. "I spent 45 minutes cleaning the bathrooms."
That following week, Oswald gave the city manager a bill for $156. "It's a matter of principle," Oswald told him. "You guys need to do your job properly."
When he got the bill, City Manager Kirk Harrier says, "I explained to him the improvements we were going to make. Thanked him and said we have the same concerns as he has."
Harrier went on to say that he thinks the bathroom got dirty because it was the busiest day of the summer. He says the city usually cleans the bathrooms twice a day. But, because it was so crowded, it probably got dirty quickly. "I talked to the police chief who said that we had 5,000 people in town."
Harrier says they've increased the cleanings and put more soap and toilet paper in the bathrooms.
As for the bill, it hasn't been paid, but the city council will discuss it. The city says it has concerns about setting a precedent. They don't want residents to take matters "into their own hands," but they do appreciate Oswald's effort.
Oswald says whatever happens, he just wants the bathrooms to stay as nice as the town.
By Sarah SellIn your voice
Play 
