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Council approves water-utility owners-vs-renters policy after discussion about renter notices
Summary
Councilors approved a water-utility policy aligning notices and procedures to reduce surprise shutoffs for renters; staff said communication with landlords and a direct county contact have improved the process. Vote was 4-0.
City staff presented an updated water-utility policy intended to align procedures for owners and renters and to reduce instances where renters lose service without notice.
Councilors pressed staff on what the city is doing to notify renters when landlords fail to pay water bills. Staff said the issue had been addressed: the city has improved communication, pursued conversations with landlords, and established a direct contact person to coordinate notifications. "We definitely, like, even a couple of days before it happens, I try to send, like, a reminder and then a reminder of the reminder to any party that I can that's on that account," staff said.
Councilors expressed continued concern about renters waking up without water mid-shower; staff said renters may pay and seek reimbursement from landlords, though lease terms vary. The policy was approved by unanimous vote.
