Adopt Resolution #15-09-217 Declaring Costs to be Assessed and Calling for a Public Hearing on Proposed Assessment for Past-Due Charges on Municipal Utility Bills (which may include water, sewer, street lighting, recycling, storm water charges and penalties incurred) and Current Services Rendered.

 

.Annually, the city certifies to the following year's property tax, any accounts receivable (either utility or invoiced) that are more than sixty days delinquent as of September 1 and not paid by November of that same year.

The number of accounts that will be receiving a delinquent notice this year is increasing in comparison to 2014 (1,191 accounts vs 1,138 accounts in 2014).  The increase in notices could be attributed to the large number of homes that have been selling/renting in the city.  Any time a new owner/renter comes into play a new account is set up.

The total delinquent amount to be assessed has decreased slightly as noted per the attachment entitled 3-Year Certification Comparison. The decrease is attributed to the change in the administrative fee charged.  The administrative fee was previously $76.00 per account, but was adjusted down to $30.00 per account to be more in line with what other cities charge.  The interest rate is now held at a flat interest rate of 5.5% (following again what other cities have been charging) instead of the 2 points over the 10-year treasury rate the city had been charging.  

 

Utility bills are sent quarterly to all residents and commercial businesses within the city. If an account is more than 30 days past due, a follow up collection notice stating delinquency is sent. In September, the city follows up with a letter to respective delinquent properties (more than 60 days past due on September 1) outlining the process to cure the delinquent account and to avoid certification to the following years property tax. This letter was sent on September 4.

 

Motion to Adopt Resolution #15-09-217 Declaring Costs to be Assessed and Calling for a Public Hearing on Proposed Assessment for Past-Due Charges on Municipal Utility Bills (which may include water, sewer, street lighting, recycling, storm water charges and penalties incurred) and Current Services Rendered.