MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It’s a good thing the heat is working this winter at the troubled Serenity Towers, because owners are behind on their power bill at the taxpayer-funded property. Records uncovered by the WREG Investigators show, as of last month, Millennia owed MLGW “in excess of $117,000.” At this time, there’s no threat of power being cut off to seniors at Serenity in these dangerously cold temperatures because the City of Memphis is now footing the bill. The city recently took over day to day management at the property from Ohio based Millennia after being appointed receiver in Shelby County Environmental Court. City attorney Carlissa Shaw told the NewsChannel 3 Investigators they began paying the power bill in December, but will not be making back payments owed by Millennia. Shaw also said they intend to recoup the taxpayers’ funds at some point in the future. Serenity Towers past due on MLGW, cut-off set for Dec. 4; judge allows city to appoint a receiver for property NewsChannel 3 has also learned, according to publicly available records, the Department of Housing and Urban Development has abated its Housing Assistance Payment contract with Millennia at Serenity which means tenants will get vouchers to move. As previously reported by WREG, a relocation plan is already underway and attorneys representing the city say they hope to have all residents moved out by May. Meanwhile, the documents we uncovered also reveal the trouble at Serenity means more money problems for Millennia. According to financial disclosures, Millennia’s delinquent utility bill led to it defaulting on its bonds for Serenity. According to the Bank of New York Mellon, there was also a default in August of 2024 after the company failed to submit required annual financial information and other records. Millennia sues HUD after agency reportedly demands $7M in civil penalties Those bonds are issued by the Health, Educational and Housing Facility Board of Memphis, which for more than a year has faced scrutiny and been under pressure from a local tenants union to rollback tax incentives provided to Millennia-owned properties due to numerous health and safety violations. WREG has reached out to HUD, the Bank of New York Mellon and the Health Ed Board for comment and we’re waiting to hear back. When asked about the exact amount on the past due utility bill, a representative for MLGW told the NewsChannel 3 Investigators to contact the city since it’s now serving as the receiver. We are also awaiting their response.