Minutes 01/08/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1998 create consistency in the practices of water and sewer with electric services, that levels of deposit needed to be adjusted to reflect more realistic market rates, and standardization in treatment of deposits. Mr. Dallas asked whether the needs of those with limited financial resources was being considered, and was told that deposit rates for persons in this situation were being adjusted to lower amounts, and letters of credit would ~"-,, continue to be accepted. Mr. Teague stated that the Cmarantee of Payment feature was an important part of the program. The Mayor noted that most cities do charge deposits, and City Manager Earl Reynolds commented that other methods could be developed to assist with deposits. Mr. Reynolds also noted that with current arrangements present levels of deposits were not adequate, due to the fact that the current process allows up to two and one half months charges to build up before cut off is possible. Mr. Bartlett noted that deposits are also returned in one year, with interest, if a good payment record is established, and that payment of deposits could be done over a two to three month period, if desired. He emphasized, however, that cutoffs needed to be done, or good customers would be subsidizing bad ones. Council Member Dallas stated that he felt that return of deposits was a good idea, but not payment of interest on these. Vice-Mayor Crabtree asked about the possibility of allowing payments with credit cards, and was told that this could be studied, although a fee of a percentage of transactions was usually charged. It was also noted that there were churches in the community that helped those in need with their deposits, although the Social Services Department no longer provides assistance in this issue. Mr. Bartlett noted that the whole process of payments and deposits needed to be run like a business, otherwise those who pay their bills in a proper manner would be subsidizing those who don't. Council Member Haskell asked whether there could be installment payments on deposits, and was (--,. told that this could be arranged. (The Mayor departed the meeting at this point, to attend to personal matters.) Mr. Teague re-emphasized that all rules needed to be very clearly stated, and Mr. Dallas complimented Mr. Bartlett for the way that he is working with the City Treasurer, Ms. Pat Conrad. Mr. Teague suggested that cutoff fees should not be charged if bill is paid on cut off date, and also suggested a graduated scale for reconnection fees, with higher fees for more frequent offenders. Mrs. Haskell asked when Council was being asked to implement the suggested new Terms and Conditions, and was told that March