Adopt Resolution #14-09-179 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 decreasing in comparison to 2013.  The total delinquent amount to be assessed has also decreased as noted per the attachment entitled 3-Year Certification Comparison. The decrease could be attributed to the following factors: Number of foreclosures have greatly decreased from the previous years high levels, delinquent collection letters were sent out throughout the year, a cooler/wetter year in relation to water use and water conservation rates (i.e., higher volume water users are charged a higher rate).

 

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 5.


 

The $2.00 transaction fee on credit card payments was removed as of August 26, 2014. Staff is anticipating that this will help decrease the final delinquent certification to the County in November.
 

Adopt Resolution #14-09-179 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.