Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Arcola council adopts new utility delinquency policy setting staged notices, fees and penalties
Summary
The Arcola City Council approved a utility rate order and delinquency policy establishing notice periods, reconnection fees and penalties for illegal connections; council debated owner vs. tenant responsibility and protections for low-income sewer-only accounts.
The Arcola City Council on Dec. 9 approved a new utility delinquency policy that sets staged notices and financial consequences for overdue water and sewer accounts.
Mayor Pro Tem Abar Washington, who introduced the policy, said: "As we discussed yesterday, I came up with a policy that I think is fair for our residents." The policy requires a delinquent notice after one month and a cutoff notice after two months for combined water/sewer accounts; reconnection would require payment of back fees, a $350 reconnection fee and an increased deposit of $150.
For sewer-only accounts the policy provides more time: notices at one, two and three months and a physical disconnection only if unpaid 30 days after the cutoff notice — a process the council described as roughly four months in total before physical disconnection. Mayor Vita B. Williams defended the extended timeline for low-cost sewer-only accounts, saying, "It's 4 months so that they can so that they they'll hopefully they'll pay it."
Councilmembers debated risks for renters and property owners, with council members noting that owners bear responsibility for service at their property and that payment plans can be arranged at City Hall. Roland Leal, MOC area manager, provided context on account numbers and delinquent accounts during the discussion: "We had a total of 992 connections and 19 of those being vacant," and he identified 59 sewer-only delinquent accounts.
The policy also sets a $1,500 fee for residents found to have illegal connections or taps to the city's wastewater system, plus the cost to remedy the tap; council members said the charge also covers extra work the city incurs to investigate and correct illegal hookups. The city attorney cautioned the council about timing and implementation under state law but supported the need for a clear written policy.
The council voted to adopt the policy and tasked staff with implementation and outreach to customers about payment plans and notices.
