AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Receive a follow up presentation from staff regarding the utility payment assistance program request for proposal, use of donated utility payment assistance funds for outside utility providers, utility usage notifications, language accessibility, multi-family property liens, utility billing penalties and reconnection fees, and provide direction to the City Manager.
Body
Meeting date: February 18, 2025
Department: City Manager’s Office and Finance-Utility Billing
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: N/A
Account Number: N/A
Funds Available: N/A
Account Name: N/A
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: August 20, 2024 - City Council received an overview of the utility payment assistance application process and the types of utility assistance available for residents. September 3, 2024 - City Council received a presentation that included utility payment plans, disconnect process, and improving utility payment assistance. October 15, 2024 - City Council received a presentation regarding utility billing penalties, reconnect fees, utility payment assistance, and recommended criteria for the utility payment assistance program request for proposal. November 18, 2024 - City Council provided a memorandum with follow up responses from the October 15th meeting.
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Background Information:
City Council has received multiple presentations on utility billing over the past few months. This presentation includes follow up from the October 15, 2024 City Council meeting and other topics. The presentation covers:
• Results of the utility payment assistance request for proposal
• Update on using donated utility payment assistance funds for outside utility providers
• Update on utility usage notifications
• Information on language accessibility
• Introducing the concept of multi-family property liens to address nonpaying owners
• Responses to requests regarding utility penalties and reconnection fees
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
N/A
Alternatives:
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Recommendation:
City Council receive the presentation and provide direction to the City Manager.