Hooper City Council considers collections partnership with Bonneville for unpaid utility bills

During the Hooper City Council meeting on April 3, 2025, a significant discussion centered around the city's utility billing challenges and the potential partnership with Bonneville Collections to improve collection efforts on overdue accounts. City staff highlighted the growing number of residents receiving late and shutoff notices, with estimates suggesting around 200 accounts are affected each month. The proposal aims to alleviate the burden on city resources by allowing Bonneville Collections to handle these accounts, charging residents a collection fee that would not impact the city’s budget.

Monica Barnes, the utility clerk, emphasized the need for a more effective approach to manage the city's bad debt, which has been a persistent issue. Currently, the city struggles with collecting payments from residents who often pay minimal amounts to avoid service interruptions. The council discussed the legal limitations on shutting off water services for those making partial payments, which complicates the collection process.

The council members expressed support for exploring this partnership further, recognizing that it could provide a more structured approach to collections and potentially reduce the amount of bad debt written off each year. They agreed to revisit the topic during the upcoming budget meeting, where they could discuss the financial implications and finalize any agreements.

In addition to the utility billing discussions, the council also celebrated the successful award of a $100,000 grant from the Wasatch Front Regional Council for updating Hooper's zoning ordinances and design standards. The city will contribute $10,000 towards this initiative, which aims to enhance commercial development and improve planning processes. This grant is seen as a vital step in addressing the city's growth and ensuring that development aligns with community needs.

The meeting concluded with plans to further discuss these topics in future sessions, particularly focusing on the budget and the potential for additional support from planning consultants. The council's proactive approach reflects their commitment to addressing community concerns and improving city services for residents.