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Committee discusses reducing water late‑fee burden; staff highlights payment plans
Summary
After council members raised concerns about a 10% late fee on water bills, staff said payment plans are available and penalties are not applied while customers are on an approved plan; members suggested alternatives such as flat fees but held off on immediate changes pending the water‑rate study.
Committee members raised recent council conversation about whether the current 10% penalty on unpaid water bills should be revised or replaced with a more affordable, flat charge. One member noted the hardship a 10% charge can create on large balances and asked whether a reduced or flat fee would be feasible.
Jennifer said the city offers payment plans in extenuating circumstances and that penalty charges are not enacted for accounts on those plans. "For extenuating circumstances, we do offer payment plans," she said. Members agreed to delay any formal change until the forthcoming water‑rate study provides fuller information; staff recommended caution about reducing revenue that supports water and sewer funds.
