Piedmont renters to pay higher utility deposits

Changes in utility hookup fees approved by the Piedmont city council Tuesday will soon have renters paying more than homeowners to connect to city utilities.   Under the new policy approved by the council, renters will be charged $100 more than homeowners to connect to utility services. City officials have said they are hoping the change will help the city recoup money it loses from unpaid utility bills.  Officials say the increase would take effect "by next week.