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City updates: Ferndale to correct estimated water bills; DDA wins project funding; new ambulance arriving soon
Summary
City staff reported a billing error that produced estimated water bills; the finance team is correcting records and plans to issue credits. The Downtown Development Authority received $2,000 in project funding, and the fire department expects a new ARPA-funded ambulance in service in early February.
City staff told the Ferndale City Council on Monday that the finance department is correcting a billing error that produced estimated water bills and that affected accounts will be updated and credited as needed.
A finance staff member identified as Phil said an incomplete file sent to the printer resulted in bills being mailed as estimated amounts for bills due in February. Staff are updating account records and reported the corrections were more than 75% complete at the time of the meeting, with a target to finish by Thursday. Phil said staff will issue credits for customers who already paid estimated amounts and that customers can check their account status on the city website or request a corrected bill at City Hall.
In other updates, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) director Jenny Beaker reported that Main Street Oakland County awarded an additional $2,000 in project funding to the DDA following participation in a board training. Beaker said the funds will be used for downtown projects and that the DDA is recruiting a new board member after a recent resignation.
Fire Chief Robinson told council that a new ambulance purchased with ARPA funds is scheduled for final inspection on Jan. 22 and staff plan to outfit equipment so the unit can enter service in the first half of February. Robinson said the department ordered the ambulance before a fire engine order but expects the ambulance to arrive later than the engine.
Why it matters
Correcting billing errors affects residents’ finances and account balances; timely credits and clear communications reduce confusion. The DDA funding supports downtown project work; the new ambulance increases emergency medical capacity for the city.
What’s next
Finance staff will complete bill corrections and issue credits where appropriate; the DDA will consider options for applying the $2,000; the fire department will complete final inspection and equipment installation and report when the ambulance is placed in service.
