Steve Groom, Director of Finance and Budget

James Dean, Utility Services Manager

This is a discussion item to consider utility bill payments.

Guiding Principles
Utilities revenue is restricted (Enterprise Fund) to cost of providing those utilities:

• Utilities resources can’t be used for non-utilities benefit;

• Cost of Utilities can’t be shifted unfairly or unreasonably;

• Help customers through difficulty with options and plans;
• Past payment history of utilities is a factor in predicting future responsibility; and
• Equitable treatment of all residents can’t benefit those who don’t pay for utilities while holding others to continue paying.

Current Practices

• All customers may request payment arrangements and each situation is reviewed and discussed with staff, balancing the City’s responsibility to exercise responsible and fair stewardship with compassionate and helpful customer service.
• Payment arrangements are currently made for past due amounts; new charges must be paid on or before their due date.
• When water service has been terminated, payment of half of the past due balance is required, then arrangements on the remaining balance are based on circumstances such as number of times shut off the past year, past payment history. 
• Every case is unique, individual circumstances vary, customers generally have a rough plan for recovery and the department may also take into account each payment history.
• Depending on service address, some refuse and/or wastewater customers are Nob Hill Water accounts, a separate water service from City of Yakima water.