Adopt Resolution #13-09-157 Declaring Cost 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 years 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 decreasing in comparsion to 2012, but the total delinquent amount to be assessed has increased as noted per the attachment entitled 4-Year Certification Comparison.  The increase could be attributed to the following factors:  Residents are aware that the utility bill does not affect their credit rating, nor follow them if they move, thus leaving the utility bill to be the last bill paid;  tiered rates for increasing water conservation (i.e., higher volume water users are charged a higher rate), and foreclosures.

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 6.


 

Adopt Resolution #13-09-157 Declaring Cost 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.