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City updates: utility billing delays, debris removal after Hurricane Helene
Summary
City staff updated council on ongoing GovSense utility billing issues and post‑Hurricane Helene debris removal. Staff said no utility shutoffs have occurred since December 2024 and late fees have been suspended; debris grinding and backhaul continue and some park repairs remain underway.
City Administrator Jim Clifford and department directors briefed the council on two operational topics: ongoing utility billing system issues and continuing Hurricane Helene debris removal.
Utility billing: Clifford and Finance Director Linda (last name not provided in remarks) said the city’s new billing system implementation has produced errors and schedule delays. Staff reported there have been no utility shutoffs since December 2024 and no late fees charged since Feb. 6, 2025, while the city corrects billing cycles. Clifford said a customer service phone line is staffed by live operators (or routed to voicemail with a guaranteed callback) and that staff from other departments have been temporarily reassigned to help with intake. The city’s calendar for billing and collections remains fluid while GovSense fixes are implemented.
Debris and hurricane recovery: Public works and parks staff reported ongoing debris grinding, backhaul and cleanup at several sites, including a large contractor operation on a property near Granville Lake Road. Rick Meyer, parks director, said Leroy Hammond Park is back in service and Creighton Park playground installation is expected in June pending foundation work. Clifford said contractors have moved into grinding and backhaul operations; the city’s goal is to complete remaining debris removal and reach a green status on recreational areas and parks, but weather and contractor availability will affect timing.
Other operational notes: Engineering director Tom Caesar noted SCDOT‑administered resurfacing work on several city roads. Public works said mosquito spraying will begin next week and continue through October; staff will provide online opt‑out links for property owners. Clifford also said he will move debris and FEMA/insurance updates to a monthly cadence as the recovery progresses.
Ending: Staff did not request council action on these items at the study session but committed to updated timelines and to return with revised billing calendars and debris removal milestones.
