Here is what I have found out so far:
1) We have been paying an average $43.79 for 1 month of garbage/water/sewage bill for the city.
2) We have been paying an average $162.93 per/mth for 1 month of gas.
3) We have been paying an average $66 per/month for 1 month of electric.
4) If we turned off the gas, we would still get a basic monthly gas bill of $8.85 plus taxes.
5) If we turned off the electric we would still get a basic monthly bill of $9.47 plus taxes.
6) If we turned off the water, we would still get a basic monthly bill of $22.9 per month. This would break down as follows:
$3.30 = basic
$5.50 = sewer service
$7.50 = flood control
$6.60 = sewer separation surcharge
or totaled, this would be $22.9 total per month
So……
Our monthly utilities average is (43.79 + 162.93 + 66) $272.72 total or ( 1/3) $90.90 each.
If we turned off the gas water & electric we would still have a basic montly utility cost of (8.85 + 9.47 + 22.9) $41.22 per month or ( 1/3 ) $13.74 each.
So…..
Somewhere between the $13.74 basic monthly and the $90.90 current average usage is what our defecting roommate should be paying per month.
I have not yet proposed this to our defector but will shortly and then post again.
Regarding my original post, I believe strongly that we do have a strong court case to collect some of this money should it come down to this.