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Clerk: Town will switch utility billing format July 20; board approves customer extensions and fee waiver
Summary
Town staff told the board the utility billing system will switch vendors and go live July 20, moving from postcard-style notices to envelope mailings; the board approved two customer extensions (one accompanied by a $75 fee waiver) and heard that ordinance requires holding refunds for 45 days.
Town utility staff told the Attica Board of Works and Safety on July 7 that the town will switch to a new billing software and printing provider on July 20 and that mailed bills will arrive in an envelope rather than as postcards.
"We go live on that on July 20," the clerk said, and added that the new vendor prints bills integrated with proprietary software. "They're no longer gonna be postcards. They're going to be bills like this, and they're gonna be in an envelope."
Staff warned that some older residents could be confused by the new format and said the town would publish sample bills via social media and push notifications. Staff also told the board duplicating both formats is not feasible because it would cost about $1,100 a month to mail two formats.
On customer-relief requests the board approved two short-term extensions. One resident who had previously received extensions asked for another extension of a disconnect date and that the $75 fee be waived; after discussion the board moved, seconded and voted to grant the extension and waive the $75 fee. "I think she's been transparent...I think we should extend it and waive the $75 fee," a board member said before the vote.
In a separate case staff described a customer who moved and expected a prior-account deposit would immediately transfer to a new account. The clerk said the town ordinance requires utility refunds to be held for 45 days before release, which created a timing gap; the board approved an extension until the 17th to give the resident time to cover the new bill.
Board members said staff will publish sample bills and public guidance ahead of the July 20 go-live to reduce confusion; no additional outreach schedule was specified at the meeting.
