In a recent city council meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the billing practices for sewer services, particularly the calculation of Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUs) assigned to various properties. A local business owner, Mr. Hayes, highlighted discrepancies in the EDU assignments, questioning why his 5,000 square-foot business was billed for 4.15 EDUs while larger facilities, such as the Butte County Superior Court and City Park Plaza, were charged only 1 EDU each.

Mr. Hayes urged the council to postpone any decisions on the matter, citing the need for further review of the data provided. He expressed frustration over the billing system's complexity and the perceived inequities in how EDUs were assigned, suggesting that the current formula may not accurately reflect the actual usage and treatment needs of different types of businesses.

During the discussion, council members acknowledged the challenges posed by the recent changes in the billing system and the transition from Cal Water to Util 360. Staff members confirmed that they had verified the calculations but recognized that the new formula might still contain glitches. The council expressed a desire to further investigate the EDU assignments, particularly for businesses like Mr. Hayes' massage therapy center, which may require different treatment levels than currently accounted for.

Ultimately, the council voted to refer the issue to the Internal Affairs Committee for further examination and recommendations, ensuring that the concerns raised would be addressed before any final decisions were made. The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit the topic in a future session, allowing for a thorough review of the billing practices and their implications for local businesses.