Board votes to remove late fees after software outage caused missed utility payments

At the Jan. 6, 2026 meeting of the Board of Public Affairs, board member Justin Showman moved to remove late penalties that had been applied after a brief internet outage caused a software failure and resulted in three missed utility payments. Board member Brian Rombach seconded the motion, and the board voted unanimously in favor.

Why it matters: The software error caused automated billing to miss three customer payments and late fees were assessed before staff noticed the failure. The board’s vote removes those penalties for the accounts affected; the transcript does not specify whether staff will also reverse late fees for any additional accounts beyond the three identified.

Details: The outage was described as a brief internet failure that triggered a software error; the error went unnoticed until late fees were applied. Mr. Showman made the motion to waive those penalties and Mr. Rombach seconded. The meeting record states, “All voted yes, motion passed.” The transcript does not list roll-call vote entries beyond the unanimous outcome.

What comes next: The meeting record does not detail operational follow-up such as notification to affected customers, account adjustments, or measures to prevent recurrence; those steps may be carried out by utility staff before the next meeting.

Ending: The board adjourned after setting its next meeting for Jan. 20, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.