Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Concerns Customer Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press Newton council on leadership and vacant East Newton building; council debates customer-service policy options
Summary
During public comments residents criticized a council member’s conduct and urged action on the vacant East Newton building; council then discussed options to change utility customer-service policies to reduce bad-debt write-offs and asked staff for more analysis.
At the Aug. 3 Newton City Council meeting several residents used public comment to press the council on leadership and local property conditions.
Ivey Robinson of 406 S. Main Ave told the council that a business owner had been approached by a council member "in an inappropriate way," saying the owners were "very upset and threatening to leave the city," and urged council members to "lead from the heart." Cathy Stewart of 1121 McRee Heights said the East Newton building sits empty daily, questioned whether prior feasibility studies met community needs and urged council to find constructive uses before the building deteriorates.
Later, in old-business discussion, City Manager Todd Clark revisited a prior staff request to write off $94,863.71 in utility bad debt; council did not approve that write-off at an earlier meeting and asked staff to develop alternative policies. Staff presented several options to hold customers accountable and reduce losses, including higher deposits for renters and commercial renters; requiring property owners to establish or co-sign utility accounts in certain circumstances; and red-flagging repeatedly delinquent accounts. Council members expressed differing views: Mayor Pro Tem John Stiver said he opposed requiring property owners to cosign tenant accounts, Council Member Anne Wepner asked for a cost-benefit analysis, and Council Member Ed Sain said the issue has been deferred for years and should be addressed. Council Member Jody Dixon said more time and thought were needed; staff was directed to draft a comprehensive policy based on council input and return it at a future meeting.
Resident Wayne Dellinger (515 S. College Ave) reviewed fund balances for the electric and water/sewer divisions and offered his perspective on the customer-service policy options.
The meeting provided no immediate disciplinary or investigatory outcome regarding the conduct complaint raised by Robinson; the transcript records the allegation but does not identify which council member she referenced or any staff or council response that directly addresses the accusation. The council proceeded to regular agenda business and adjourned.
