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Presenter details new utility billing and collections policy approved June 1; changes take effect July 1
Summary
A city presenter outlined updates to the utility billing and collections policy approved at a June 1 council meeting; the policy, effective July 1, changes cutoff timing, deposit rules, billing dates and landlord responsibilities and will be mailed as a blue insert to customers.
A city presenter summarized an updated utility billing and collections policy approved at a council meeting on June 1, 2026, saying the policy will go into effect on July 1, 2026.
The presenter said the biggest change is to the cutoff process, noting: “Any account with a balance of more than the minimum bill for inside service, which is $28.95 beginning July 1, will be disconnected on the 15th day following the due date.” The presenter gave an example: bills due July 20 would face a cutoff on August 4.
The presenter told listeners the city will not perform cutoffs on Fridays, weekends or the day before a city-observed holiday; in those cases the cutoff will occur on the next business day. To stop a scheduled cutoff, the city will accept only cash or credit cards (the presenter said checks will not be accepted). Service will be restored within 24 hours after payment, excluding weekends and holidays.
Staff will close accounts that remain cut off for 30 days and apply any deposit to the outstanding balance, the presenter said. Customers on the cutoff list who contact the city before disconnection will be offered a payment plan.
On deposits, the presenter said that if a customer refuses to provide a Social Security number the deposit may be doubled: $300 for inside service and $600 for outside service. The presenter added that deposit refunds must be issued within 30 days of the final invoice.
Applicants must provide verification of identity and lawful residence; the presenter said the policy lists approved documents and that a list will be posted at city hall. The presenter also explained two billing changes: all bills will be issued on the 25th of the month (rather than the last business day) and late fees will be applied at 5:01 p.m. on the due date.
Adjustments will be allowed once per calendar year for a leak and once per year for a pool fill, the presenter said. Customers can request that a credit balance be transferred to a new account after the final bill is issued.
The presenter said service for a deceased customer should be disconnected and reestablished in a living person's name as soon as possible. The policy also authorizes denying service to applicants with an outstanding balance at a prior service location until that balance is paid; rental properties with outstanding balances will require the landlord to clear the balance before a new tenant can receive service.
The presenter said the changes will be included as a blue insert in upcoming utility bills and posted on the city's social media platforms. The presenter closed the episode by thanking listeners and signing off from City Sense.
The transcript does not include a mover, seconder or vote tally for the council approval; the presenter stated only that the policy was approved at the June 1 meeting and will be effective July 1.
