Twenty-four residents are ordered to appear before a Magistrate Tuesday. But, that number is small compared to all those being charged. Almost 2,500 Johnstown residents are delinquent on their garbage bills. Johnstown is losing thousands of dollars because of them. Now the city is making them pay.

The average garbage bill in Johnstown is $70, twice a year. The late payments range from $382 to over $1,000. City Solicitor, Joe Green, says they've already sent two delinquent notices and served criminal summons a month ago. Now it's up to those 2,000 residents to appear in court. If you're one of those who doesn't, the magistrate can issue a warrant for your arrest.

Green tells Channel 6 News, "I would advise anyone to start making arrangements to get these bills paid because if they come to the magistrate, I guarantee it's going to cost them more. They will have court costs that they will have to pay."

Johnstown residents who haven't paid their garbage bill face Theft of Services charges. Besides paying their garbage bill balance, they face a $300 fine and or 90 days in jail.